Monday 24 August 2015

Week 03: Welcome to a Better Life

Championship-winning manager of yore, Guy Harewood,
desperate to get into the OFFL for a better life
Like the Swarming Immigrants that are currently terrorising our civilised shores, so the returning OFFL Managers cling to the rattling carriage roofs of this Fantasy Football train as it hurtles towards a delusionally better Fantasy life.

Clambering over the ineffective razor wire, for example, is Guy Harewood, a Championship-winning manager of yore who currently manages trees from his armchair in Tillicoultry.

Scrambling under the pulled-up bottom of a chain link fence and disappearing into the darkness of freedom is Rachel Jones too, as she herds her 11 illegals into this most giving of Leagues.

And look! Hurtling westward along the M20, nestling uncomfortably amongst the latest shipment of boxed TVs in the back of one of Norbert Dentressangle's finest assets is the Family Wilson - desperately clutching their pre-filled Housing Benefit forms.

And over there, clogging up that NHS queue, Malcolm Pratt is shiftily looking to steal that rather tempting hospital bed from under the noses of that efficient and eagled-eyed Health Trust middle management.

And finally, stealing one of our jobs in the Sweatshop, Sexslave & Domestic Cleaners industry is Ashley Keeler, returning to the OFFL highways and byways for another season of hopeless street-walking.

And the Chairman himself returning from another foreign scouting mission, swooping into Gatwick or Heathrow, from over the rolling hills and the open-spaced patchwork of greens that make up the South East of England - How could he possibly blurt out that OFFL Land 'DOESN'T HAVE ANY MORE ROOM!'?  Or that 'WE'RE FULL UP!'?

Because it simply isn't true.

So, come on you.  Come on in.  You're welcome. Wherever you're from.  Have a cup of tea.

Biscuit?

Right, now bloody get on with it and Select Your Team.

Manager of the Week is Minty Colquhoun again, her Minions scored 20 points for her team.  She's now a healthy second - just under the bulging biceps of our leader, Neil McConaghy and his Neil's Diamonds.

Anyone tempted to make a transfer yet?

---

T h e   T a b l e
                                            Value Points
   Team                       Manager       (GBPm)Wk Tot
 --------------------------------------------------------
 1 Neil's Diamonds            Neil McConaghy  54.7 10  27
 2 Minty's Minions            Minty Colquhoun 54.0 20  20
 3 Ali McMoist                Alison Faulkner 54.9  9  18
 4 Pyeators                   Dave Clayton    51.4  4  15
 5 RS-TBOY                    Rick Beecroft   54.9 15  15
 6 Com-a ma mau papa com-a mauGuy Harewood    54.7 14  14
 7 Guess Hughton              Nick Reed       52.2 10  13
 8 Seb Blattered Cod          Gavin Ward      54.3 13  13
 9 Livercoolio                Russell Bielby  55.0 11  11
10 Old Malcolm Academicals    Malcolm Pratt   51.3  4  10
11 Inter Milandrover          Smasher         54.9 10  10
12 Moobchester United         Jon King        54.6  9   9
13 Radnorshire Tigers         Alun Edwards    54.3 -1   8
14 Bad Wolf United            Karyn Meaden    54.8  1   8
15 Moanchester United         Alex Blundell   54.9  4   4
16 Moreton Rovers             Edgar Rayner    51.1 -3   3
17 It's a Snickers FC         Ashley Keeler   49.6  6   0
18 Real Mcdrid                Craig McHugh    52.6 21   0
19 Which Team                 Rachel Jones    53.3 10   0
20 The Flying Geese           Mandy Noble     53.9 14   0


                              Week's Average Points     9
                              Total Average Points      9
---

Studmarks: OFFL Week 03
Read in Courier/Courier New 10pt font.

S      T      U      D      M      A      R      K      S
---------------------------------------------------------
      The Office Fantasy Football League 2015/2016
---------------------------------------------------------
                         Week 03
                (Week ending 23rd August)

T h e   T a b l e
                                            Value Points
   Team                       Manager       (GBPm)Wk Tot
 --------------------------------------------------------
 1 Neil's Diamonds            Neil McConaghy  54.7 10  27
 2 Minty's Minions            Minty Colquhoun 54.0 20  20
 3 Ali McMoist                Alison Faulkner 54.9  9  18
 4 Pyeators                   Dave Clayton    51.4  4  15
 5 RS-TBOY                    Rick Beecroft   54.9 15  15
 6 Com-a ma mau papa com-a mauGuy Harewood    54.7 14  14
 7 Guess Hughton              Nick Reed       52.2 10  13
 8 Seb Blattered Cod          Gavin Ward      54.3 13  13
 9 Livercoolio                Russell Bielby  55.0 11  11
10 Old Malcolm Academicals    Malcolm Pratt   51.3  4  10
11 Inter Milandrover          Smasher         54.9 10  10
12 Moobchester United         Jon King        54.6  9   9
13 Radnorshire Tigers         Alun Edwards    54.3 -1   8
14 Bad Wolf United            Karyn Meaden    54.8  1   8
15 Moanchester United         Alex Blundell   54.9  4   4
16 Moreton Rovers             Edgar Rayner    51.1 -3   3
17 It's a Snickers FC         Ashley Keeler   49.6  6   0
18 Real Mcdrid                Craig McHugh    52.6 21   0
19 Which Team                 Rachel Jones    53.3 10   0
20 The Flying Geese           Mandy Noble     53.9 14   0


                              Week's Average Points     9
                              Total Average Points      9

-----------------------------
T r a n s f e r s   a n d   s t u f f
=============================

Real Mcdrid
-------------------
   From: Craig McHugh
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: Late again boy....!!!!

Morning sir

Hope you are well and life is fab and down right groovy at la maison Chair?

As usual i’m keeping up with tradition and allowing everyone a head start before i make a late race for the title.  Attached are my specially selected bunch, which i’m sure will do me proud.   'Every little helps' - Tesco.  Our sponsor for this year…  

All the best, over and out :-)


----------------------
Chairman responds:
As I may have intimated earlier, we're a Lidl crowd around here.  You posho.

=============================

Which Team
-------------------
   From: Rachel Jones
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

Afternoon..

#It’s taken me a while to get Which Team off the ground again.. but here it is..

[Team Enclosed]

Expect to be at the top next week!! NOT

With best regards,
Rachel Jones

----------------------
Chairman responds:
Get your Siemens technology all over that. 

=============================

Flying Geese
-------------------
   From: Mandy Noble
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: 

Hi, am I too late to join in?

----------------------
Chairman responds:
You're late, yes.  But not too late.  Especially if you can stop those pesky Bielbys from achieving any sort of success this season.

=============================

Monday 17 August 2015

Week 02: Walking Amongst Us

OMG Chairman mingling at his local Waitrose
It's not often that Our Most Gracious Chairman mixes with the riff raff at his local Waitrose. He has loftier ambitions for his grocery shopping and tends to tolerate the retailer as a way of keeping the New Money out of Lidl.  Sometimes, however, he is forced to abandon his petty purchasing principles in order to mingle with the muggles - something akin to what Russell Bielby has decided to do this week... indeed, it is an obligatory pleasure to welcome back last season's OFFL Champion - we're honoured to have him walk amongst us and allow us the experience of multiple boo & hiss repression.

With six other OFFL Championship-winning Managers competing in the League [so far] this season, OFFL HQ commentators are expecting high quality managerial manoeuvrings.

And on that note, there have been some last minute rejiggings and re-jostlings.  Consequently, this has have seen last week's Manager of the Week Certificate Winner, Minty Colquhoun, slump to ninth in the table. A resubmission of her team has meant an interesting new future for Minty's Men [in spite of the loss of last week's table-topping, MotW certificate-winning 2 points].  All of last week's Managers with teams on less than zero have had their teams resubmitted enabling them to start afresh while others are still joining the league.

It all makes sense to someone somewhere. [EYES SHIFT TO A CHAIRMAN-SHAPED SILHOUETTE AT THE BACK OF THE ROOM]

Manager of the Week is Neil McConaghy - his Diamonds netted a marvellous 16 points putting themselves firmly at the top of the pile.

We say 'Firmly'.  We mean 'Temporarily'.


T h e   T a b l e
                                            Value Points
   Team                       Manager       (GBPm)Wk Tot
 --------------------------------------------------------
 1 Neil's Diamonds            Neil McConaghy  54.7 16  17
 2 Pyeators                   Dave Clayton    54.9 11  11
 3 Radnorshire Tigers         Alun Edwards    54.3  8   9
 4 Ali McMoist                Alison Faulkner 54.9  8   9
 5 Bad Wolf United            Karyn Meaden    54.8  7   7
 6 Moreton Rovers             Edgar Rayner    54.6  6   6
 7 Old Malcolm Academicals    Malcolm Pratt   54.8  6   6
 8 Guess Hughton              Nick Reed       54.6  3   3
 9 Minty's Minions            Minty Colquhoun 54.0 31   0
10 Seb Blattered Cod          Gavin Ward      54.3  4   0
11 Moobchester United         Jon King        54.6 17   0
12 Inter Milandrover          Smasher         54.9 22   0
13 RS-TBOY                    Rick Beecroft   54.9 15   0
14 Moanchester United         Alex Blundell   54.9 -1   0
15 Livercoolio                Russell Bielby  55.0 23   0


                              Week's Average Points    11
                              Total Average Points      4
---

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T r a n s f e r s   a n d   s t u f f
=============================

Seb Blattered Cod
-------------------
   From: Gavin Ward
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

Ack! Where'd the week go. I carefully planned a team ahead of the season and waited in the wings only to miss not just the dummy run 1st week but to also the opportunity to score negative points in the first scoring week. Please find attached the newly arranged Seb Blattered Cods football team¦

----------------------
Chairman responds:
You're welcome.

=============================

Moobchester United
-------------------
   From: Jonathan King
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com 

Morning Sir,

Here is my team attached.  Hoping for a better season this time around.

Regards,

Jon

----------------------
Chairman responds:
I should think so too.  Fourteenth last season.  Plenty of room for improvement there. Thirteen, in fact.

=============================

Livercoolio
-------------------
   From: Russell Bielby
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: TEAM LIVERCOOLIO

Bonjour Monsieur Offl Chairman !!
 
OFFL Commitment is not everything for most people… whilst cooking in the burning sunshine on the French coast of La Rochelle… mais non… pour moi… SADLY… IT IS… !!
 
So… here is Team Livercoolio unveiled… what a rum looking lot !! 

[Team enclosed]
 
Nuts I know… but you gotta start somewhere.
 
Au Revoir and Good Luck Fellow Footballigans !!
The Brodge aka The Ruselby
Ya Friendly Scouse :D
 
P.S. Can’t believe you tricked us by saying the scoring starts after the 2nd Samedi !! Unbelievable !!

----------------------
Chairman responds:
As it was such a g'dawful week for OFFL scoring last week, it was decided that the managers who had made the effort to submit their team for the beginning of the season deserve to keep their points. "Goalhanger managers", like those who suddenly decide that Vincent Kompany is a good idea to have in their defence for example, will have to make do with playing catch up.  Didn't seem to do Livercoolio any harm last season, and I'm sure it won't this season.
=============================

Com-a ma mau papa com-a mau mau
-------------------
   From: Guy Harewood
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

OK Sonny [Chairman],

Here it is!!!!

[Team Enclosed]

This season I shall refer to myself as Ray Moan. 

Love,

Ray

----------------------
Chairman responds:
I look forward to fully understanding the reason behind this identity adjustment.

=============================

It's a Snickers FC
-------------------
   From: Ashley Keeler
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: 

Dear Chairman,

I'm not sure I'm ever going to have a handle on this football lark.  
As per most seasons I suspect I'm several weeks late but I won't let that dampen my spirits.

I'm a shoe in for the double.  
Here we go then.

All the best,
Ashley Keeler
It's a Snickers FC

----------------------
Chairman responds:
Dry spirits and a delusional sense of renewed enthusiasm. Perfect pre-season prep.

=============================

The Flying Geese
-------------------
   From: Mandy Noble
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: The Flying Geese15_16.xls

Hi, am I too late to join in?

----------------------
Chairman responds:
As long as you stop those Bielbys from winning anything you'll never be too late to join.

=============================

Monday 10 August 2015

Week 01: Fighting Injustice

The Chairman, fighting injustice with his old cellmates
Now, now. On behalf of Our Most Gracious Chairman, let us explain...

These are the first results - due to popular demand [splutter].

While we did explain that we would start scoring after the second week it has become clear that those who have bothered entering on time deserve a little more 'Service'.

Hence the published table.

While others are waiting to see how the first couple of weeks shape up before committing to their eleven, those brave few were being penalised - well, those who start off with a minus score are at any rate.  In past seasons, it was possible, in theory, for some latecomer to enter exactly the same team as an 'On-timer' and be above them in the league merely by choosing their team late.

OMG Chairman says "No!" to this injustice.  Therefore, the OFFL Umpa-Lumpas have been instructed to automatically resubmit any team with a minus score so far.  And to CONTINUE scoring.

We refer any naysayers [to be fair, they won't be getting this] to the section of this email marked RULES.  Particularly the bit about the Chairman being right  all the time.


T h e   T a b l e
                                            Value Points
   Team                       Manager       (GBPm)Wk Tot
 --------------------------------------------------------
 1 Minty's Minions            Minty Colquhoun 54.9  2   2
 2 Inter Milandrover          Smasher         54.1  1   1
 3 Radnorshire Tigers         Alun Edwards    54.3  1   1
 4 Neil's Diamonds            Neil McConaghy  54.7  1   1
 5 Ali McMoist                Alison Faulkner 54.9  1   1
 6 Old Malcolm Academicals    Malcolm Pratt   54.8  0   0
 7 Moreton Rovers             Edgar Rayner    54.6 -1  -1
 8 Bad Wolf United            Karyn Meaden    54.8 -1  -1
 9 Moanchester United         Alex Blundell   54.9 -2  -2
10 Pyeators                   Dave Clayton    54.9 -3  -3
11 Guess Hughton              Nick Reed       54.6 -4  -4


                              Week's Average Points    -1
                              Total Average Points     -1

-----------------------------
T r a n s f e r s   a n d   s t u f f
=============================

Old Malcolm Academicals
-------------------
   From: Malcolm Pratt
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

Hi Chair,

New name   Old Malcolm Academicals

Here we are again!!! 

M

[Team Enclosed]
----------------------
Chairman responds:
And you, Sir, are always welcome.  Expecially if you promise to snatch Defeat away from Victory again, like you did last season.

=============================

Neil's Diamonds
-------------------
   From: Neil McConaghy
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com 

Team selected in record time I think (see attached). Thanking you as always for what will be a marvellous OFFL season I'm sure. 

Neil's Diamonds

----------------------
Chairman responds:
*Flaps embarrassed hand in Neil's direction* oh doppit, you silly.

=============================

Radnorshire Tigers
-------------------
   From: Alun Edwards
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

Loved reading the blog, really made me laugh out loud.

I have to run from the country (something about renewed allegations of my involvement in grass-roots on behalf of FIFA), so I would miss your deadline if I don?t post this now. The fees will be left in a brown envelope in the usual place ? I am sure you remember where!

 Team Name: Radnorshire Tigers

Cheers Ally

[Team Enclosed]


----------------------
Chairman responds:
Brown Envelope?  Isn't he an alleged associate of Chuck Blazer?

=============================

Neil's Diamonds
-------------------
   From: Neil McConaghy
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

.... should have double checked the football latest before selecting team #wilshereinjuredagain :/


----------------------
Chairman responds:
Plenty of time.  You could even submit your entire team again and lose only a point.

=============================

Guess Hughton
-------------------
   From: Nick Reed
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com

Boom!

Something to enjoy between my radio appearances?

Much love

N

[Team Enclosed]

----------------------
Chairman responds:
Brighton and Hove Albion inspiring you to yet another top Team Name I see.  They never fail you.  Well, not in that way at any rate.  We look forward to the ukulele follow up to your hit 'Stay Poyet Stay'.

=============================

RS-TBOY
-------------------
   From: Richard Beecroft
     To: Chairman@LittleSmasher.com
Subject: 

Sir [Chairman],

As our local butchers says ‘Please to meet you, meat to please you!’. Hope all is well mate, please herewith findus my teamus.  I’m away next week so going to have to take a punt with my squad, fingers crossed no injuries.

All the breast

Kindus Regardsus Maximus

Rick


----------------------
Chairman responds:
I'm sure they'll all be fine.  For the first part of the season - then you might want to consider feeding them something other than findus.  Or haven't I been paying attention again?

=============================

Monday 3 August 2015

Week 00: Ticks On, Kicks Off

The Excitement: What'll he be wearing?! 
As another English Premier League football pre-season quietly ticks on to an over-expectant Football Focus, what we're all actually wondering is of course what phantasmagorical facial follicle fup uck will The Lad Lineker be trying to get away with as the season kicks off into a full blown Match of the Day.

We're thinking toothbrush 'tache.

He'll blame it on Movember, of course, but enjoy it while we can - it looks like The Big BBC Shake-up could well reduce the primacy of the premier Premiership coverage to a Facebook page, a few Tweets and a sixty second round-up at tea-time hosted by Konnie Huq.

Yup.  That's what we're bleakly forecasting without a shred of evidence.

Meanwhile, back in the real world...

...out on bail and already planning his next fantasy reign of terror is Our Most Gracious Chairman.

Having bunged his way to the top and also having promised to root out the 'cancer of corruption', OMG Chairman is in rude health.  Very rude.  The last week has been mainly spent splitting infinitives and fiddling with yet another remote control trying to discover how to persuade the digital video recorder to work in time for Saturday night's flagship football show.

And He's really looking forward to 10.20pm when he'll be firmly balancing his pint of gentleman's pop on top of his belly-bulge.  But if last season is anything to go by, He'll be spending most of Match of the Day stifling yawns and fighting off the heavy sleep that He inevitably plops into an hour before the credits roll - before the usual panel of slapheads begin their nonsensical analysis of the opening match if the truth be told.

And it's never certain the truth WILL be told.  Not in this irregular weekly missive.

But there we go.

Now go pick a team.  The usual rules apply.  This season we'll begin scoring after the second Saturday.  It gives everyone a chance to have a peek at the footballing goods before committing to the inevitable 11 idiots.

Go on.  Off you toddle.  Use this link if you need to... http://j.mp/SelectYourTeam.

OMG Chairman and his aspirations for the season