What is your Twitter handle?
@FPLHobbs
Who do you support?
Confusing one slightly. My dad raised me up as a Man United fan and I’ve been one ever since. But since the age of 10/11, I’ve “followed” Cardiff and I’ve always wanted them to do well.
Why do you support them?
I loved watching old videos of Eric Cantona who was my father’s favourite player! Ever since then I’ve loved watching them. I also love watching Cardiff because they are my local team. I’ve seen a lot of good and poor players come through the club. I think it’s great that I have such a great club so close to me.
How often do you get to attend matches?
In terms of United not a lot over the last 2 seasons, before that, the previous 4 seasons I saw between 4-6 matches each season, including the away fixture at Cardiff last time Cardiff were in the Premier League!
In terms of Cardiff, I don’t hold a season ticket but I try to get to as many home games as I can. For the last few season I’d say I’ve been to on average 8/9 home games each season.
Who is your favourite ever player?
Giggs is my favourite United player for many reasons. I was named after him (Ryan) and ever since I’ve watched clips before my time and I loved watching him as a player, I personally think he was a phenomenal left winger.
My favourite Cardiff player has to be Michael Chopra. What a footballer he was! He was a great Championship striker who must have been one of the most prolific strikers for us!
What win in your lifetime means the most to you?
I have to go with the Cardiff home game against Man City when they were in the Premier League last time around. The crowd went wild and it was the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced. The fact that former United striker Frazier Campbell scored twice in about 10 minutes I think made it even more special for me! Want to see this again this season!!
Which goal meant the most?
Zohore’s solo effort in Feb 2017. It was a cold, wet Tuesday night in Cardiff. We were playing Preston. He ran from our own half past three defenders and chipped the ball over the keeper. Put it this way, if Messi scored it, everyone would rave about it for months. The reason it meant a lot is because I realised that every team has stars. That night, Zohore showed his star quality. He’s a great, hard working player that deserves a lot of credit.
Which team would you most like to beat this season?
Always has to be Man City as a United fan. Would’ve been Swansea for Cardiff but any of the top 6/8 teams would be fantastic for Cardiff to get a result from!
Are you happy with your manager?
Not 100% with Mourinho, wish he set his teams up in a more attacking way.
100% happy with Warnock at Cardiff. He has done wonders. We were in the bottom 4 when he came and he has completely changed the way we play for the better. He’s great at getting the best out of players and I just hope he can sign the right players to give us a chance of staying up this season. If we can keep Hoilett he will be a vital player for us.
Are you happy with your Board/Chairman?
At United no. The Glazers use the club in the wrong way and have got us into so much debt.
Yes, I am at Cardiff. Tan has turned a leaf since deciding to rebrand the club to red. He’s apologised and he’s fully behind Warnock. Hopefully the money needed can be allocated and by already signing Murphy for £11m it looks like it might be.
Where do you realistically think your club will finish this season?
With Cardiff, I hope we can get the right and best signings in the summer. If we can, I’d take 17th and survival and then build on that next season. It’s going to be tough though!
What opposition player do you secretly admire?
Harry Kane. Without a shadow of a doubt he is the best out and our striker in the world. I think his finishing is next level and what he has done in the last 4 seasons is unprecedented. I hope he goes on to stay at Spurs and break all Premier League records. I rate him very highly.
Is there a youngster at the club who could become a regular in the side this season?
I want to see Rashford as a regular starter, he’s going to be world class one day but he can only reach that level by playing week in week out.
I don’t really see any younger players getting much of a run out at Cardiff.
Who do you think will be your club’s top FPL points scorer this season?
Probably Lukaku. I think he’s phenomenal and if we can get the right players behind him, I think he can score 25+ goals in the Prem.
I’d say, if we keep Hoilett. It will be him hopefully with a strong contention form Zohore!
Can you tell us about your FPL history?
2013/14: OR 1.3m
14/15: OR 453k
15/16: OR 2.5k
16/17: OR 96k
17/18: OR 214k
Bit of a mixed bag, would’ve hoped to build on my 2.5k finish in 15/16.
What would be a successful FPL finish for you this season?
I’d love to beat my personal best and get inside the top 2k. I think it’s all about getting a good start. However, I always want to finish inside top 100k and then go from there.
What formation do you generally favour for FPL?
I love 3-4-3 because it feels like you have better attacking potential but this season I realised that 3-5-2 probably beats it with attacking potential so I favoured it this year. With the midfielders getting an extra point for a goal and a clean sheet, I think it’s favourable.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned playing FPL?
Most probably to trust my instinct because usually it’s better than over analysing everything. Also, to realise that the decisions I make are mine. If they’re influenced by someone else, that’s my fault.
When did you use your chips last season and was it successful?
GW12 – 1st Wildcard
GW32 – 2nd Wildcard
GW34 – Bench Boost
GW35 – Free Hit
GW37 – Triple Captain Boost
I had a horrible GW11, my rank almost doubled and I needed to change a lot and at first glance, it seemed to work.
I think my second wildcard was a great success and was a pivotal point in me saving a decent rank at the end of the season.
I think the time I used my other chips was fine but players I transferred in let down the potential of huge hauls and a better end to the season. Other seasons have seen me use the chips and transfers together well and get better outcomes.
Anything else we should know about you?
I love a spreadsheet and I’m hoping I can do something with that on Twitter this season. I don’t tend to favour United players because we usually lack creativity.
I will look long and hard and try to find some gems to start in my team that many others may not have.
I think I probably know too much about football and if anyone joins the Prem for a different league, I probably know who they are.
I love interacting on Twitter to see how my views may be the same or differ to others!