Fantasy Football Manager of the Month - February 2008

Our Manager of the Month for February 2008 is Paul Gardener, manager of Hammers, Eggon Chips on their Shoulders FC. His team scored 186 points during the month and the main contributions to this total were from James (45 points), Torres (39 points) and Rooney (35 points.

In second place was The Winners managed by James Malyon, who achieved a total of 172 points. Third was Martyn Grant’s team, Unlucky Alf’s XI, with a score of 169 points. These managers benefited from the skills of James, Lescott, Torres and Berbatov.

We caught up with Paul to ask for his thoughts on all things football - here is what he had to offer:

How long have you been playing Fantasy Football for or is this beginners luck?

I’ve been entering various teams in all sorts of fantasy football competitions for at least the last 5 seasons, and this is the first prize I have won.

Are you doing as well in other leagues you have entered?

Sorry, I can’t pad the answer out at all - no.

What was the basis for picking your side and who is in it?

To be honest I picked my team at the start of the season, e-mailed it to you and duly forgot all about it. Being a West Ham fan, I used to losing interest in football by Christmas.

What’s the story behind the team name?

One of my favourite dinners is Ham, Egg and Chips.

Could you include your favourite player in your team?

Unfortunately not - Frank McAvennie was not listed.

Come the next transfer window what tips can you offer to us mere mortals?

It’s always nice to share the prize with a local friendly stationer, (from KEMPCo (01376 518000)

Who do you support?

The Mighty Hammers!!

Who do you think will win the Premiership?

Man Utd

We all remember our first professional game. What was yours and who scored the goals?

The first match I attended was West Ham at home to the crazy gang. I believe we went in at half time two nil up thanks to Frank McAvennie, but in true West Ham fashion ended up losing 2-3. It’s a funny old game.

Best match ever attended for action and atmosphere?

I hang my head in shame………….I went to Germany and watched Arsenal v Shalke approx. 5/6 years ago in the first Champions League game to be played under a roof. Great day, drinking excessively and outsinging 40,000 Germans.

Funniest football moment?

Apart from winning Manager of the Month, beating Arsenal at the Emirates always brings a smile to my face!!!!

If you could go to any game what would it be?

I’m still waiting for the day when West Ham play (and beat) Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Good luck for the rest of the season Paul.

Date:3 March 2008