Personally, think this is a much better way for FI to do promotions going forward. Surprise traders and get lots of positive energy buzzing around the forum and wider social media.

No false expectations. No announcements about potential announcements about bonus/market announcements. No negativity and disappointment flooding the forum when traders expectations aren’t met.

I wonder if this is something that they’ve discussed recently and are adopting moving forward. Wouldn’t surprise me given the stick they get (some of it deserved, some of it not).

At the risk of sounding like a soppy twat, I just want to say thanks to all you lot who have made the last 6 months slightly more bearable.

In truth, it’s been a fucking terrible time both on and off the platform and although there have been some unsavoury moments on the forum, generally, we've been keeping each other going.

Today should be the start of a new era for FI (we hope) and our perseverance and patience will be rewarded. 👍👍👍👍🤑🤑🤑🤑🍆💦

My view, for what it's worth, is to focus on players who you think would still be a good investment if the IPDs on offer were still 1p. This forces you to think more critically.

Nothing wrong with buying players specifically for the IPD promotion but it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy, and you can end up with 500 shares in some wastrel who you've no chance of shifting after the promotion. I'm asking myself the question - do I still want this player when the IPD offer expires?

If the answer is yes then I'm in. One of the factors that determines whether I'm interested beyond IPDs is PB performance, especially with the new and improved dividend structure.

I know you're probably thinking 'Yeh obviously mate, that's not news!' but I /we sometimes need to be reminded of this. I have made this mistake before!!

@MickTurbo
Good choice. However, mine went straight into dybankaccount.

@Dalien-Smith
People are acting like it's the Apocalypse. Sure, it needs to be taken seriously but at the end of the day it's a virus that gives flu-like symptoms. The vast majority of those infected will recover fairly quickly with no long lasting issues. Yes, the elderly, immunosuppressed and those with additional underlying health conditions are more likely to struggle with fighting it off but if we, as a species, can't fight this off in a matter of 2 or 3 months, then imagine what will happen when a 'serious' event occurs.

@NorfolkCanary
Not sure of his total score but it would be the Sweetest Thing if he was challenging for TOTM. If he actually won it would be a Beautiful Day.

I'm here all week.

@ScouseSte
I don't know mate. Hard to argue with 14 goals and 17 assists in 25 league games. Whether you're impressed with him or not, you can't say he hasn't been a success.

@kristiang85
In which case, lock the market on 2 or 3 occasions or 1 extended lock before launching. Setting a launch date for next week and locking the market for testing between 2 am and 5 am over the next few nights for example would have worked surely?

Anyhow, I am boring myself re-reading this so I'm going to get my first beer of the day and return here to complain at 15.05 when I'm surprised that I've not managed to pick up Sancho for £5. 😂 😂

@TeamGB
I've literally been flicking between the Top 200 and Squad Players typing in the first three or four letter of the 3 players I am waiting for. Over and over and over. Safe to say it's not been the most productive day at work.

@Number5
To be honest mate, I can’t be arsed with the IPD market, unless there is an offer on. The recent x5 IPDs offer was too good to miss out on but during the regular market it’s too much hard work for me.

I’m focusing on PB performers and undervalued/off trend players. I find it a longer term strategy but if one of your players has a stellar weekend it gives you the option to sell sooner on a spike.

As we know, with the dividends increase it’s got to be all about PB performers. One of the best at the lower end of the market is Cyprien.

I’ve been ‘pumping’ him for the last few days so forgive me for mentioning him again but he’s my tip for divs and cap app for the next 3 months. Don’t take my word for it, check his PB stats for last year.

Moved to a new team in a new league so some traders are understandably waiting to see how he settles but if I had any spare funds he’d be my ‘off trend’ buy but I’ll have to be content with my current hold at an average price of £1.20. 🤞🤞

@FineMargins
Seems like you’ve got a very apt username! 🤣

Joking aside, I feel your pain. If it makes you feel any better I bought him a while ago at £4.50+ so he’s my biggest ‘loser’ at the moment.

Danilo.
Cheap and put in a very good PB score in the first game if I remember correctly. Played 90 mins in both league games too so far so will be picking up the clean sheet points if that continues. Fancy him as a punt for a PB win and a couple of TOTM appearances this year.

@jonathan-rolfe
Although Parma are a mid-table team, I think that may actually be a positive for Cyprien and his PB scores. I’m hoping he’ll be their main man and he’ll be on set pieces. Looking at the current Parma squad, I don’t see any other threats.

You’re right, it’s always a gamble when a player goes to a new league but if he is on set pieces I’m optimistic that Cyprien will be for Parma what Teji is to Montpellier. Some might think that’s a stretch but both are great PB scorers for average teams. 🤞

@JK
You can't vote for yourself mate 😉😂

@Kanzz
Oooof, too rich for my tastes mate. I’ll have to join the back of the queue and hope to pick him up via ME down the line.

@Kanzz
You’re right. Releasing him now would be carnage. That said, there have been multiple opportunities for them to release him over the last 6-9 months which would have caused less disruption, particularly during the quiet months.

However, I appreciate it’s probably not at the top of their list of to-dos. I don’t know why I’m complaining, he’d be out of my price range within 0.5 seconds of hitting the platform. 🤣

@NewUser434483
It's not just obscure talent, you can't even buy some of the most obvious young talent in Europe. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, why Reyna hasn't been released yet is crazy. The kid is starting for one of the best teams in Germany and has a goal and 3 assists already this season.

I've held Mcneil and Kluivert for some time so I am massively down on them but content to hold for the long term and both have potential. I'm interested to see how Kluivert gets on at RBL.

I've just posted this on the ME thread but worth mentioning here as he's gone under the radar of late - Wylan Cyprien. Is available at £1.15/1.20 at the moment. Just moved to Parma and he's got an excellent PB record. He had one of the highest PB averages for a player under £2 when at Nice. Nothing guaranteed at a new club of course but could be a great hold.

Other favourites are Kramaric and Carvajal, both good PB performers, who I think are undervalued currently.