For six weeks now my phone has been quiet and for the first time since August it’s been able to last until after midday without running out of battery.  It doesn’t feel right; where has the dilly ding-dilly dong of my WhatsApp alert tone gone?  Where are the audacious trades and well timed waiver alerts?  Well my fears will soon be allayed because Draft Fantasy Football is back! Tell your boss your taking a longer lunch, make sure the kids know your busy at the weekend and ensure the wife is not envisaging getting involved in the latest box set; The Hope Tap league has returned so there is literally very little time for anything else.

From its glorious origins as the first boozer that allowed us to drink alcohol to 15 years later the name sake for one of the most competitive Draft Fantasy leagues around, The Hope Tap League consists of 12 life long friends with two passions in life; Football and taking the mickey out of each other.  We represent a diverse bunch; from Investment Bankers to Musicians, Restaurateurs to Football Scouts, spreadeagled across the UK, Dubai, Spain and even Cornwall, united by football and a desperation to win the draft 2017/18 and get our hands on Tony Yeboah.

Dilly Ding – The first message comes through at 12.06 PM from league chairman Beak Blatter  (known for his big nose and even bigger penchant for corruption in the Hope Tap league) – “The draft is back” he exclaims.  “Any new rules?” Jake (last years league winner) replies.  BB goes on to explain about the new Dynasty and Keeper leagues which have been introduced enabling people to retain players at the end of a season.  Very handy if, like Jake,  you picked up midfielder come striker Josh King on the sly last year!

As with all football seasons, momentum plays a big part and the introduction of a Playoff league this year gives people a chance to end with a Championship style decider.  In our league Beak Blatter goes above and beyond by organising a Champions league format which is great.  However it is carnage trying keep up with which game week is involved in the CL despite the relentless spreadsheets BB creates.  In what has been a relatively quiet transfer period so far it looks like the North West clubs of Man City, Man United and Everton have been busiest but it’s Liverpool’s signing of the Mo Salah that has caused plenty of commotion amongst our troupe.

WhatsApp of the Week

Jonno – £39 Million for Salah (Monkey Face)

Alex – Salah is very good

Me – Hope you sign him

Jonno – Salah is not very good

Alex – 15 goals and 11 assists last year isn’t bad no? Second most in Italian league

Jonno – Zaza. That’t the only reference I will use

Me – Cuadrado (Crying face)

We won’t know how effective Mo Salah is until the season starts; can he fit in with Lallana, Coutinho, Mane, Firminho? It looks like one of those may have to miss out, but one thing is for sure, Jonno and I have done a tidy job in ensuring Alex has to draft him up early to save face!

With our Draft Day (30th July) fast approaching and the signings expected to come thick and fast over the next few weeks, the quest for the coveted Better than Pele Trophy has truly begun.

Ryan Munich