Millions of players log in and create their Fantasy Premier League team on the official site every year, and most of them don't even look at the thing again until it's time to build a team again next year.
For something as popular and as widely talked about as Fantasy Premier League, there's far too little incentive to keep coming back and playing, and there are a number of niggly issues that annoy those who do.
Make no mistake about it, Fantasy Premier League is seriously good, but it could be better, and here are our suggestions to improve the game for next season.
Better Prizes And Incentives To Play On
Every year you'll have over a dozen excited players in your private league, and after six weeks of the season only four or five of them are playing. Why is it that so many people lose interest?
Millions of players play the game, but only one person can win the grand prize, which is a seven-day trip to Britain to watch two Premier League games. That is not a good enough prize for the sheer grind that it is to be competitive in fantasy Premier League. This year 'manager of the month' prizes were introduced for the best overall player each month, but again, talk about slim chances.
We would love to see highest gameweek scorers being rewarded, and possibly prizes awarded for things related to their choices in order to keep people coming back. How about extra bonuses if you change your lineup nearly every week, such as an extra chip or wildcard?
Make The App Free
The website is free, and excellent, so why charge for the app? Everyone I know who plays the game seriously uses the site in a web browser on mobile to check scores, but it would be far handier to have a dedicated app, and not have to pay for it.
People will always find a workaround to avoid paying for something on their phone, so open it up and give everyone access on the go. That would surely see people more active if they didn't have to be at a computer to do their team.
Keep Records And History Of Users' Performances
This one is glaringly obvious, but why can't I reminisce over my final day title win on 'transfers made' difference back in 11/12 because Anton Ferdinand conceded 3 with that Aguero goal?
This game is all about bragging rights, so why erase those rights every year!
Also, I want to know what players have got me the most points over their careers, who have I transferred in/out the most, who have I never used? So much data, so little available.
More Customisation In Terms Of Kits
You pick a team name, you pick your favourite colour, and that's pretty much it. It's all so boring.
The addition of EA SPORTS sponsors is not what I'm talking about, I want to be able to design a team strip Pro Evo edit mode style. It's a needless addition, but it's an extra level of customisation and fun, so why not?
An 'As It Stands' Live Updating Table
The one thing that we are really begging for, is to not have to whip the calculator out before the official scores have been updated.
The most exciting part of the final day of the season is seeing how things stand at that very moment, and this would also surely apply to fantasy football in leagues with your pals.
Be sure to tune in to the Balls.ie Fantasy Football Podcast each week for tips, hints, and random thoughts such as this article:
