Bradford (Park Avenue) Development Fund
Fantasy Premier League
Fantasy Premier League is a game of skill and luck (mostly luck). All you need in order to play is to have a device with Internet access. Each week you pick your fantasy football team. Each week the boffins behind the game award points to your players based on their performance.
Each month we announce the manager of the month and the runner up. We also name and shame (in a fun way) the manager with the fewest points.
All we ask is that participants make a one-off or regular donation to the Development Fund.
If that interests you and you would like to join, please contact me, Keith Bonney, for details. My email address is keith.bonney@bpafc.com.
Season 2024-25
November
November saw the third international break in as many months. Is that too much? Nine of our brave young lions thought so. They missed the trip to Greece on account of an urgent need to wash their hair. For our FPL managers these breaks are a chance to pause, reflect and reset.
Our manager of the month for November is Keith Bonney with his team Green llama. 285 points. International break.
Our runner up is Matt Ray with Sliced Bread. 260 points. Winter break.
The winner of the wooden spoon this month is Chris Parker with Harold Park Avenue. 153 points. Fag break. Come on Chris. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
October
On the Monday after their 2-1 defeat at West Ham, Manchester United sacked Eric Ten Hag. He became the fifth manager to get sacked by the Red Devils since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. One of the good things about being a Fantasy Premier League manager is you can’t get sacked in the morning or at any other time of day. Most real-world sackings take place after a disappointing result at the weekend.
Our winning manager this month is John Laban with Stoptherot. 168 points. Saturday night’s alright for fighting.
In runner’s up spot it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic. 159 points. Sunday girl.
In the firing line this month is Lewis Sale with The Bus Stoppers. 101 points. I don’t like Mondays. Come on Lewis. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
September
FPL managers owning Declan Rice suffered a setback in game week 3. By virtue of picking up a second yellow for the most innocuous of fouls, Declan scored minus 2 points. Nothing heroic about that kind of sending off. Declan, if you are going to commit the ultimate offence you’ve got to go all in.
In top slot this month it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy Owls. 211 points. Rugby tackle.
In joint second place it’s Ben Harvey with Let’s Be Avenue and Woody Eckerslike with Olympique Woodyside. 191 points. Handball on the line.
In last spot it’s John Paul Sugden with John’s Gilets. 119 points. Overdue library book. Come on John. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
August
It’s a new season. Here we go. Allez allez allez. We’ve checked out the new signings. We’ve listened to what the ‘experts’ are doing. We’ve formulated and shredded dozens of strategies. Then we’ve just gone with our trusty guts. August is all systems go!
Our first manager of the month this season is Daniel Ambler with his team You’re a Wissa ‘arry. 241 points. Go Avenue!
In second place it’s James Johnson. James hasn’t come up with an acceptable team name yet. 231 points. Go Green Army!
In last place it’s Russell Fawcett with Russ United. 120 points. Go commando. Come on Russell. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Season 2023-24
In an incredibly close finish, the final league table shows that only ten points separate the top five managers. That is as exciting as any real Premier League title chase ever.
Well done to everybody who took part.
During the course of the season we raised £105 for the Development Fund. Thank you to everybody who contributed.
We’re off to the Euros. History tells us Scotland won’t get out of their group and England will go out to Germany on penalties.
In top spot for 2023-24 it’s Keith Bonney (fix!!) with Green llama. 2,308 points. Gerd Muller.
In second spot it’s Lucy Denison with Tikka Mo Salah. 2,302 points. Thomas Muller.
Honourable mentions to Lewis Sale, John Laban and Matt Ray with 2,301, 2,299 and 2298 points respectively.
In last place it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. 1,641 points. Raspberry Muller.
Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
If you enjoyed playing FPL this season, make sure you join us again for 2024-25.
If you would like to join as a new manager, just contact Keith Bonney. Details above.
Second half
The winner and runner up in the first half of the season had disastrous second halves. Tim Parker crashed from 1st to 15th. Daniel Ambler slid from 2nd to 20th. Guys, you are supposed to hit the beach in May, not January!
Cole Palmer was the top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League in 2023-24 with 244 points. If you had captained him every week that would have earned you 488 points. Cole was on fire.
Storming from 8th in the first half to winner in the second, it’s Keith Bonney with Green llama. 1,289 points. On fire.
Finishing in second spot, up from 5th in the first half, it’s John Laban with HYBRIDS UTA. 1,264 points. On target.
We decided to refer the question of who finished last to the officials at Stockley Park. Technically, Joseph Brown is the winner of the wooden spoon. But to be worthy winner of this accolade we feel the prize should go to a manager who tries and fails rather than one who simply doesn’t try. The judges on this occasion were Woody and Willy Eckerslike. Having considered all the evidence, they decided the wooden spoon should go to the manager finishing in 22nd spot.
That’s Carl Marsden with his team Choo Choo MFC. 890 points. On parole.
Come on Carl. You’re better than that!
May
May is one of the warmest months of the season. It’s important that players keep themselves hydrated. During breaks in play, footballers dash over to the bench to grab some water. Understandable. Less understandable is the apparent need for managers to constantly suck on water bottles. What’s going on there? Our FPL managers love to copy their real-life heroes.
In first place this month it’s Keith Bonney with Green llama. 279 points. Perrier.
In second spot it’s Paul Armitage with Avenue. 278 points. Buxton.
In last place it’s Carl Marsden with Choo Choo MFC. 142 points. Ditch.
Come on Carl. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
April
On a Monday morning, we look back and we kick ourselves for making bad choices. Should have captained Palmer. Should have gone with Pickford, not Onana. When will I learn to avoid Pep roulette? Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
In first place this month it’s James Johnson with Johnsons Johnsons. 388 points. Hits the net
In second spot it’s John Laban with HYBRIDS UTA. 378 points. Hits the post.
In last place, no surprises, it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. 171 points. Hits the fan.
Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
March
The big clubs have tapped in to the lucrative business of stadium naming rights. Arsenal play at The Emirates, Bournemouth at The Vitality and Leicester at The King Power. Earlier this year Bolton got in on the act by naming their stadium The Tough Sheet. Love it. Traditionalists dream about the old names which reflect the deep roots of clubs in their local communities.
Our winner this month is Keith Denison with his team I HATE MOSQUITOES. Keith scored 222 points. White Hart Lane.
In second spot it’s Lucy Denison with her team Tikka Mo Salah. Lucy scored 211 points. Maine Road.
In last place, yet again, it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. Joseph scored 140 points. Sesame Street. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
February
This was a challenging month for FPL managers. International call ups saw some of our best players heading for Africa and Asia. Our heroic managers had to gird their loins and wade into the transfer market to bolster their squads.
In top spot this month it’s Darren Ryan with Oddsontogodown. Darren scored 322 points. Please don’t go.
In runner-up spot it’s Tim Parker with Saka Potatoes. Tim scored 312 points. Miss you like crazy.
Clinching last place for the third time this season it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. Joseph scored 194 points. Baby come back. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
January
Jurgen Klopp dropped a bombshell this month. He announced he will retire as manager of Liverpool at the end of the season. During his tenure, Liverpool have won seven trophies and are in contention for four more in 2023-24. History looks kindly on those who go early.
Our winner this month is Woody Eckerslike with Olympique Woodyside. Woody scored 143 points. Early doors.
In second spot it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic. Steven scored 142 points. Early bird.
In last spot it’s Daniel Ambler with Dude, Where’s Micah? 58 points. Early bath. Come on Daniel. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Half time
The first half of the season ended on 28 December.
The winner of the first half is Tim Parker. Tim’s team, Saka Potatoes, amassed 1,049 points. Congratulations Tim. Veuve Clicquot.
In the runner up spot, it’s Daniel Ambler with Dude, Where’s Micah? Daniel clocked up 1,040 points. Well done, Daniel. Laurent-Perrier.
Finishing in last position, it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. Joseph scored 839 points. Commiserations Joseph. Irn-Bru.
Keith Denison has published the full league table on the BPA Forum. Thank you, Keith.
The second half of the season got underway on 30 December. We have re-set the game and all managers start again on nul points.
So far this season our managers have raised £80 for the Development Fund. Thank you to those who have contributed. Every £ benefits the football club so if you enjoy the game, please consider making a donation.
Sort 05 02 00
Account 29955993
Reference FPL
Good luck for the second half of the season!
December
How much does Chelsea wild man Mark Cucurella pay for his Barnet? Surely his hairdresser has the easiest gig in the world. Stevie G was always a doddle too. Number 5 all over. Bish bosh. There you go. Phil Foden on the other hand takes great care with his mop top. He turns out with a new style virtually every week. Always image conscious, our FPL managers take great pride in their coiffure too.
First into the barber’s chair this month it’s Richard Higginbottom with Higgy’s Hotshots. 387 points. Man bun.
Next, it’s Jordan Tindall with Melted Cheese FC. 381 points. Buzz cut.
Last man in this month is Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. 224 points. Comb over. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
November
David Beckham was the master when it came to bending a football round an obstacle. These days, dead ball specialists include the likes of James Ward-Prowse at West Ham and Kieran Trippier at Newcastle. FPL managers who don’t have these assets in their squads need to take effective counter-measures.
In first place this month it’s Tim Parker with Saka Potatoes. 172 points. Wall.
In second it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic. 164 points. Bus.
In last spot it’s Carl Marsden with Choo Choo MFC. 107 points. Doctor’s receptionist. Come on Carl. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
October
Having hit the big time, one of the first things a newly wealthy Premier League star does is head down the showroom to get himself a shiny set of wheels.
In first place this month it’s Carl Marsden with Choo Choo MFC. 209 points. Lamborghini.
In second spot it’s Jordan Tindall with Melted Cheese FC. 207 points. Ferrari.
In last place it’s Joseph Brown with Wendy’s Owls. 138 points. Clown car. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
September
Jurgen wears a tracksuit. Roy wears a suit and tie. Pep and Mikel are so cool they would look stylish in a bin bag. Our Fantasy Premier League managers like to dress up too.
In first place this month it’s John Laban with Hybrids UTA. 315 points. Cowboy.
In second place it’s Tim Parker with Saka Potatoes. 289 points. Indian.
In last place it’s Willy Eckerslike with Locomotiv Buttershaw. 197 points. All the other Village People. Come on Willy. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
August
Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich brings to an end his very successful partnership with Son Heung-min. During their time together at Spurs the pair made 47 goal combinations. The top flight of English football has seen some great partnerships over the years. Successful partnerships produce successful teams. Doubling up on players from one team can reap rewards for FPL managers.
In first place this month it’s Lewis Sale with Bus Stoppers. 183 points. Adams and Keown.
In second spot it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC. 174 points. Salah and Mane.
In last place it’s Tom Jowett with Clegg Hall Misfits. 94 points. The Cheeky Girls. Come on Tom. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Season 2022-23
Just like the real Premier League, the Bradford (Park Avenue) Development Fund Fantasy Premier League title was settled before the final weekend.
We extend our hearty congratulations to worthy winner Matt Ray and his team Sliced Bread FC. Matt scored 2,583 points across the full season and scooped the title for the second year in a row. Matt, are you Pep in disguise?
Congratulations also to our runner up, Steven Howley. Steven’s team, Wee Harp Athletic, scored 2,442 points. Finishing in seventh spot in the first half of the season, Steven hit fantastic form late on to secure second place overall.
Finally, we offer our commiserations to last placed Dan Burnett and his team Show me Da Mane. Dan scored 1,643 points. Better luck next season Dan.
Our FPL managers donated £120 to the Development fund over the course of the year. Thank you and let’s aim to beat that next season.
That’s it for 2022-23.
We look forward to welcoming oldies and newbies in 2023-24.
Second half
It’s the same tale for the second half of the season.
First Matt Ray. 1,426 points. So hot he’s got a climate activist stuck to him.
Second Steven Howley. 1,375 points. So hot he blows the candles on his birthday cake on.
Well done guys. We grudgingly admit there is more to this game than luck.
In last place it’s Barry Hutchinson with Bradford PA. 858 points. He’s so cold.
May
Some of us have it. Some of us don’t. In order to be a successful FPL manager you have to possess a vital magic ingredient.
Our winner for May is Steven Howley with his team Wee Harp Athletic. Steven scored 296 points. Gold dust.
Our runner up is Keith Bonney with Green llama. Keith scored 267 points. Stardust.
In last place, for the second month running, it’s Tom Jowett with waives the rules. Tom scored 162 points. Dust. Come on Tom. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
April
The end of the season is in sight. Some managers have everything to play for. Some are safe and going nowhere.
In first place this month it’s John Laban with UTA scoring 474 points. On the ball.
In second place it’s Daniel Ambler with Hotel? Thi a go, scoring 465 points. On the beach.
In last place it’s Tom Jowett with waives the rules, scoring 257 points. On the razz. Come on Tom. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
March
MOTD with no chat? Unthinkable. Er, actually really rather good. Some things we need and some we can happily live without.
In first place, yet again, it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC, scoring 195 points. Food.
In second, it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic, scoring 188 points. Drink.
In last place it’s Barry Hutchinson with Bradford P A, scoring 97 points. Pundits. Come on Barry. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
February
The VAR system is infallible. Unfortunately, the humans who operate it are not. This month we saw instances of lines being drawn in the wrong places and vital incidents being missed. Not a good month for video assistant referees.
In first place this month it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC, scoring 343 points. Suddenly I see.
In second place it’s Lucy Denison with Tikka Mo Salah, scoring 325 points. I can see for miles.
In last place it’s Chris Parker with Harold Park FC, scoring 158 points. I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Come on Chris. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
January
When the transfer window closed, Premiership clubs had spent a record breaking, eye-watering £815m on new talent. Only £25m of that was spent on players from the English Football League. The Premier League is a great product and we all know you can’t buck the market but wouldn’t it be wonderful if some of that money could be trickled down our English football pyramid?
We have a tie for first place this month. Each winning manager scored a fantastic 243 points.
Flashing the cash, it’s Keith Denison with I HATE MOSQUITOES. Hey big spender.
Blinded by the cheque, it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic. Money, money, money.
In last place, scoring 109 points, it’s Dan Burnett with Show me Da Mane. Mane’s too tight to mention. Come on Dan. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Half time
The first half of the season ended on 12 January.
The winner of the first half is Matt Ray. Matt’s team, Sliced Bread FC, amassed 1,157 points. Matt is Mr Consistent having won the first half last year with a score of 1,152 points. Congratulations Matt. Yellow jersey.
In the runner up spot it’s Carl Marsden with Bring Back Boris FC. Carl clocked up 1,125 points. Well done Carl. Green Jersey.
Off the back of the peloton it’s Dan Burnett with Show me Da Mane. Dan scored 774 points. Commiserations Dan. Green mankini.
No time to draw breath, the second half of the season got underway on 13 January. We have re-set the game and all managers start again on nul points.
So far this season our managers have raised £100 for the Development Fund. Thank you to those who have contributed. Every £ benefits the football club so if you enjoy the game, please consider making a donation.
Sort 05 06 81
Account 33569976
Reference FPL
Good luck for the second half of the season!
December 2022
As FPL managers we look for strength, stamina, speed and agility in our players. FPL players treat their bodies like temples. Everything they eat and drink is scrutinised, analysed and risk-assessed. Consequently, Kyle Walker is almost as fast as Usain Bolt and Michail Antonio has muscles like Anthony Joshua.
Our manager of the month for December, by some distance, is John Laban with his team UTA. 179 points. My body is a temple.
In runner’s up spot it’s Lewis Sale with Bus Stoppers. 165 points. 5 a day.
In last place it’s Barry Hutchinson with Bradford PA. 69 points. Did somebody say just eat? Come on Barry. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
November 2022
The Premier League shuts down for much November and December. Some of our best assets are off to Qatar. Come on England! World Cup songs tend to be a bit rubbish. Thankfully the associations of the home nations have come to understand you leave music to the musicians.
In first place, singing when he’s winning, it’s Matt Bonney with hit and hope scoring 120 points. World in Motion.
In second place, more sharp than flat, it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC scoring 114 points. Vindaloo.
In last place, playing all the right notes in the wrong order, it’s Chris Parker with Harold Park FC scoring 50 points. Ally’s Tartan Army. Come on Chris. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
October 2022
Erling Haaland has notched up 117 FPL points. That’s 34 more than his nearest rival Harry Kane. What a start! Erling Haaland is Top Gun.
In first place this month scoring a brilliant 399 points it’s Lewis Sale with Bus Stoppers. Iceman.
On his tail it’s Richard Higginbottom with his team Higgy’s Hotshots, scoring a commendable 383 points. Maverick.
Misfiring at the back of the formation it’s Dan Burnett with Show me Da Mane, scoring 248 points. Pike. Come on Dan. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
September 2022
We love a 30-yard screamer. We marvel at an audaciously executed Panenka. We gasp when we see a scorpion. Watching the stars demonstrate their skills reminds us why we love the beautiful game.
In a brilliant turnaround in form, this month’s winner is zero to hero David Nettleton with Bantams FC, scoring 134 points. Rabona.
We have joint runners up this month. Stepping out from the shadow of brother Woody, it’s Willy Eckerslike with Lokomotiv Buttershaw. Alongside him we have Lewis Sale with Bus Stoppers. Each scored 131 points. Nutmeg.
In last place it’s newcomer Brian Sutcliffe with Motley Collection, scoring 68 points. Hospital pass. Come on Brian. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
August 2022
The BPA Development Fund kicked off its third Fantasy Premier League season this month. Good luck to the 28 oldie and newbie wannabee Premier League managers who signed up for the fun.
The Premier League celebrates its thirtieth birthday this season. In 1992 a pint of lager cost £1.49 and you could leave the lights on without having to worry about the bill.
This is going to be a strange World Cup sandwich of a season. The Premier League will stop in November at which time some of our top assets will fly out to Qatar to take part in the FIFA World Cup. It will resume on Boxing Day, meaning we can all enjoy our traditional festive football fix.
In first place this month, picking up where he left off last season, it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC, scoring 351 points. World Cup sandwich.
Just one point behind, it’s newbie James Johnson with Johnson’s Johnson’s. Club sandwich.
In last place, also picking up where he left off last season, it’s David Nettleton with Bantams FC, scoring 209 points. Unused Sub. Come on David. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Season 2021-22
The winner of our Fantasy Premier League game for 2021-22 is
Matt Ray. Matt’s team, Sliced Bread FC, scored a magnificent 2,332 points. Well done Matt. Bouquet of roses.
The runner up is Keith Bonney with Green llama scoring 2,281. Laurel wreath.
Last is Darren Ryan with No Points No Gain. 1,566 points. Oops a daisy.
We shall be back again for 2022-23. Do join us. Tell your mates.
Enjoy the summer.
Second half
The winner of the second half of the season, scoring 1,256 points, is Woody Eckerslike with his team Olympique Woodyside. Well done, Woody! Speaking from the open top of a specially chartered bus with the breeze gently buffeting his ginger toupee, Woody said, “I am thrilled. This is the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me. My immediate plans include organising my sock drawer and fixing the bulb in the fridge.”
In equal second place we have dad and daughter Keith and Lucy Denison with their teams I HATE MOSQUITOES and Tikka Mo Salah. 1,215 points each. Penalty shoot-out in the back garden. On a non-football note, Lucy (Tikka Mo Salah) will make her mum a naan in June. Best wishes to Lucy and family.
In last place with 813 points, it’s Chris Parker and Merlin’s Magical 11. Hogwarts bootcamp awaits.
May 2022
What an exciting end to the season! Only three game weeks in the month but with several teams having double game weeks and some managers playing their chips, we saw a number of exceptional scores. Well done to the handful of managers who triple-captained Kevin De Bruyne in game week 36. His superb performances returned a massive 90 points. That’s more points than some managers scored in total that week!
In first place scoring 295 points, it’s Steven Howley with Wee Harp Athletic. Oh Kevin De Bruyne.
Just two points behind him in second place, it’s Woody Eckerslike with Olympique Woodyside. Oh Jeremy Corbyn.
And in last place with 129 points, it’s Chris Parker with Merlin’s Magical 11. Oh dear oh dear. Come on Chris. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
April 2022
Sean Dyche was shown the door by Burnley this month. Of the current crop, he was the longest serving Premier League manager. It is always sad to see a hard-working manager lose his job but, as we all know, football is a results business.
It’s a family affair this month. In first place scoring a massive 364 points, it’s father and BPA Forum voice of reason Keith Denison with I HATE MOSQUITOES. Pep.
In second place with 328 points, it’s daughter Lucy Denison with Tikka Mo Salah. Jurgen.
In last place with 176 points, it’s John Laban with UTA. Mike Bassett. Come on John. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
March 2022
Only three gameweeks this month, yet many sides had double gameweeks and blanks. Our most successful managers were those who prepared well. Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail. A mantra much used in business management and equally applicable to football management.
In first place this month with 254 points, it’s Woody Eckerslike with Olympique Woodyside. Forewarned.
In second place with 250 points, it’s Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC. Forearmed.
In last place with 99 points, it’s David Nettleton with The Reds. Four candles. Come on David. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month. Outrageous.
February 2022
We love it when one of our players scores a goal. As they become more exuberant, goal celebrations become talking points in themselves. But don’t you just hate it when players rip their shirts off? Yellow card. Minus one point. Aaaagh!!
In first place this month with 298 points, it’s Keith Bonney with Green llama. Cartwheel and backward summersault.
In second place with 278 points, it’s Daniel Ambler with Saint-Maximin Effort. Knee slide.
In last place with 158 points, it’s John Laban with UTA. Slippers and a mug of cocoa. Come on John. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
January 2022
For the first time in nearly 30 years fans were allowed to stand at some Premier League grounds this month. Each standing fan has a designated space containing a rail and a seat. Without compromising safety, the hope is the change will enhance the matchday atmosphere. The trial is called safe standing.
In first place this month with 202 points, it’s Keith Bonney with his team Green llama. Standing tall.
In second place with 191 points, it’s Lucy Denison with her team Tikka Mo Salah. Standing proud.
In last place with 84 points, it’s David Nettleton with his team The Reds. Sitter. Come on David. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
Half time
Hit by Covid, the first half of the season spluttered to a close at St James Park on 27 December.
The winner of the first half is Matt Ray. Matt’s team, Sliced Bread FC, amassed 1,152 points. Congratulations Matt. No prizes. Just kudos.
The runner up is Keith Bonney with Green llama. The llama finished a short neck behind Sliced Bread with a respectable 1,123 points.
Bringing up the rear is Darren Ryan with No Pens No Gain. No Pens obviously.
Well done to all our managers.
No time to draw breath, the second half of the season got underway on 28 December. We have re-set the game and all managers start again on nul points. We welcome newbie, Richard Higginbottom and his team Higgy’s Hotshots. It’s never too late to get involved. Contact Keith Bonney if you would like to join the fun.
So far this season our managers have raised £85 for the Development Fund. Thank you to those who have contributed. Every £ benefits the football club so if you enjoy the game, please consider making a donation.
Sort 05 06 81
Account 33569976
Reference FPL
Good luck for the second half of the season!
December 2021
More disruption this month. Omicron swept through Premier League squads causing multiple postponements. The boffins behind FPL threw managers a lifeline by allowing them to make unlimited transfers for one week. In FPL language it is called a Free Hit.
Taking full advantage, in first place this month, with 348 points, it’s man of mystery, Woody Eckerslike with Olympique Woodyside. Free hit.
In second place, scoring 345 points, it’s the unswerving Matt Ray with Sliced Bread FC. Free header.
In last place with 183 points, it’s the normally wizard-like Chris Parker with Merlins Magical 11. Free Willy. Come on Chris. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month. Bizarre.
November 2021
Storm Arwen disrupted fixtures during the last weekend of November. Managers having Burnley and Spurs assets in their squads suffered more than most. Playing in the foothills of the Pennines is a hazardous business.
In first place this month, with 247 points, it’s Matt Ray with his team Sliced Bread FC. All won.
In second place with 243 points, it’s Keith Bonney with his team Green llama. All well.
In last place with 151 points, it’s Tom Fry with his team Fanta Sea Futbol. All wind. Come on Tom. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
October 2021
Mo Salah is having a sensational season. At the end of October, he has 53 more FPL points than any other player. No surprise, therefore, the most successful managers this month are those who picked and captained Mo. If you triple captained him then well done you!
In first place this month, with 235 points, it’s Matt Ray with his team Sliced Bread FC. Supremo.
In second place with 231 points, it’s Carl Marsden with his team Pending Moderation. Hang on a mo.
In last place with 127 points, it’s Darren Ryan with his team No Pens No Gain. Sacked in the mo…..! Come on Darren. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
September 2021
In first place this month, strong, mature and showing no signs of going off, it’s Jordan Tindall with Melted Cheese FC scoring 181 points. Real deal.
Cooking on gas right underneath him, with an impressive 180 points, it’s Ashley McNulty with his team Big Mac FC. Meal deal.
In last place, no doubt distracted by pressing matters in the real football world, it’s Paul Armitage with his team Park Avenue, scraping 103 points. Bum deal. It doesn’t matter who you are. Nobody escapes the ritual taunt. Come on Paul. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
August 2021
Our 2021-22 season kicked off on 13 August with 22 managers throwing their hats in the ring. We welcome new managers David Nettleton (Klopp all over) and Carl Marsden (Pending Moderation). Good luck guys.
With only three gameweeks in August the old quote ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’ probably applies. And to prove the point, the man in form this month is Keith Bonney with his team, Green llama, scoring 229 points. Barmy. In second place, showing class is indeed permanent, it’s Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, scoring 220 points. Tasty.
Our good friend and regular wooden spoonist Joseph Brown didn’t apply for re-election so, in last place this month it’s Darren Ryan with his team, No Pens No Gain, scoring 90 points. Come on Darren. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
It’s never too late to join the fun. Email Keith Bonney for details.
Season 2020-21
May 2021
This was the final month of the 2020-21 season. Crowds returned. Songs were sung. Football felt uplifting. Let’s hope we never see the like of 2020-21 again.
As for Fantasy Premier League, our winner this month is Mr Consistent, Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, scoring a magnificent 274 points. Well done, Jordan!
Thanks to a fine gallop in the last gameweek, second place is taken by an exhausted Keith Bonney with his team, Green llama, scoring 268 points. Somebody please shoot him.
In last place, for a baffling fifth time this season, it’s Joseph Brown with his team, Wednesday Avenue, scoring 141 points. Joseph, there’s a vacancy at the City right now. Get your application in!
We have reached the end of the season without anybody winning the Eckerslike prize. What a shame. Maybe next time?
Well done to all the above and to everybody who took part in Fantasy Premier League in 2020-21.
Over the course of the season, we have raised £155 for the Development Fund. Thank you to everybody who contributed.
April 2021
As Fantasy Premier League managers, we are used to falling victim to events outside our control. The postponement of a game owing to a ‘Glazers Out’ protest by Manchester United ‘supporters’ is, however, a sad first. This caused many of us real football fans to lose valuable FPL points. Guys, there are other football clubs. You don’t have to support Manchester United.
In first place this month, avoiding all the slings and arrows (how does he do it?) it’s Matt Ray with his team, Sliced Bread FC, scoring 274 points.
In second spot it’s Keith Denison with his team I HATE MOSQUITOES, scoring 271 points. Lucky.
In last place it’s Joseph Brown with his team, Wednesday Avenue, scoring 165 points. What can we say? Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
March 2021
With teams having double game weeks and blanks, the most successful managers this month are those who played their chips right.
In first place it’s John Laban with his team, UTA, scoring a fantastic 221 points. Top tatty.
In second place it’s Matt Ray with his team, Sliced Bread FC, scoring 205 points. Chip butty.
In last place it’s Gordon Buchanan with his team, long suffering m, scoring 77 points. Not frying tonight. Come on Gordon. You’re batter than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
February 2021
He thinks it’s all over. He wants to be paid now. But 25 other managers disagree. Anyway, congratulations to Ashley McNulty and his team, Pay me now, for scoring a winning 414 points this month.
He’s somewhat browned off about finishing second. Our runner up this month is Matt Ray with his team, Sliced Bread FC, scoring 402 points.
He only turns up one day a week so it’s no surprise he’s bottom of the league. Joseph Brown. Wednesday Avenue. 212 points. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that.
For all our managers the cup is over for another season and we are, as the saying goes, concentrating on the league. Huge congratulations to Matt Ray who made it through to the tenth (yes, tenth) round of the competition. The BPA Development Fund has made its mark on FPL.
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
January 2021
Melted Cheese is on fire again this month. Well done, Jordan. 346 points. Too hot for the rest of us. Buzzing along in second place is I HATE MOSQUITOES managed from behind the nets by Keith Denison. 331 points. Get in.
Finishing in last place again is Joseph Brown with Wednesday Avenue, scoring 180 points. Come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
December 2020
A difficult month with injuries, squad rotation and last-minute cancellations. So, an extra loud cheer for our winner this month, Lucy Denison with her team Tikka Mo Salah, scoring 391 points.
The runner-up is, no surprise, Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, scoring 366 points. Don’t worry Jordan, some of us would love to be a bridesmaid.
In last place this month is Joseph Brown with his team Wednesday Avenue, scoring 229 points. Interestingly, 229 points would have won the league in November. Nevertheless, come on Joseph. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
November 2020
The winner this month is Gordon Buchanan with his team, long suffering m, scoring 204 points.
The runner-up is Mister Consistent, Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, scoring 195 points. Come on Jordan, give someone else a chance.
Seriously, well done both of you.
In last place this month is our good friend Woody Eckerslike with his team, Olympique Woodyside, scoring a miserable 115 points. Come on Woody. Pull your socks up. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
October 2020
The winner this month is Barry Hutchinson with his team, Blink-1 Eto’o, scoring 253 points.
The joint runners-up are Chris Parker with his team, Deportivo La Corona and Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, each scoring 252 points.
Congratulations to all.
In last place this month is Paul Armitage with his team, Electric Avenue, scoring 169 points. Come on Paul. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
September 2020
The winner this month is Lucy Denison with her team, Tikka Mo Salah, scoring 198 points.
The runner-up is Jordan Tindall with his team, Melted Cheese FC, scoring 194 points.
Congratulations to both.
In last place this month is Tom Jowett with his team, Horsefallat1stfence, scoring 102 points. Come on Tom. You’re better than that!
Nobody won the Eckerslike prize this month.
As at the end of September 2020 our participants have donated £115 to the Development Fund. Thank you very much indeed.