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Jamie is Champion!Jamie from Sheffield is this year's Fantasy FA Cup champion, but it took a tie-break to separate him from unlucky Tim Roberts. Jamie receives a trophy and the winner's cheque, hopefully compensation for his team (Sheffield Utd) being knocked out in the semis. [See the winner's interview] It was a dramatic finish! Jamie had led the competition after the semi-finals, he predicted a 2-0 win to Arsenal. Tim Roberts from Dorset was exactly ten points behind Jamie, and correctly predicted a 1-0 win. Three minute warningThat meant the scores were tied at 113 points apiece, so it all depended on the time of the first goal. Jamie had predicted 28 minutes; Tim had predicted 54 minutes. The single goal was after 38 minutes... so Jamie was closer, and was the winner. Three minutes later and it could have been very different!Tim nice not dimTim had been in the top 15 for the whole competition, and had led after the fifth round. There was a minor triumph for Mark Z, whose 20 points shot him up from 115th into the top 50. But it seems the low score surprised almost everyone... only he and Tim got the score correct! So close, yet so farTen different people could have won the competition on the final day. Commiserations to Kypros Michael who was set to clean up if Southampton had shaved it. Craig Dixon (eventually 3rd), Alex Milne, Graham Reid, Rob Legg, Steve Allan, Raymond Dobiecki and Louise Mayer were also in with a shout. Right on timeThere were some impressive tiebreak predictions. Raymond Dobiecki, Larry Charles, Dave Mercatali, Rob Brew, James Bell, Ian Croft, Roberto Simpson all got the time of the first goal spot-on at 38 minutes. |
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Congratulations to Jamie for winning Fantasy FA Cup 2003; earlier today I caught up with him and asked him a few questions
What was your reaction on finding out you'd won?
I was absolutely amazed that I had won. Seriously this whole season has been a dream with my team Sheffield United getting to the play offs and two semi finals. I started the competition as a bit of fun but then you get hooked. The further on you go the more effort I seemed to put into the predictions.
Who were you supporting in the final?
Even though I had Arsenal to win in this competition I was deep down rooting for Southampton because of how Arsenal beat us in the semi final. I also wanted Chris Marsden, as an ex Blade and Sheffield lad, to lift the trophy.
How did you make your predictions for each round?
My predictions were often simple guesses especially in the 3rd and 4th rounds. However, the further the competition went the more time and effort I put into it. I tried to put a couple of shocks into each round and as for United's games I let my heart rule my head.
I think I have a decent knowledge of football so I just put what I thought and never changed my mind. I just knew we would beat Leeds 1-0, don't ask me why. I even put £5 at 8/1 on that score at Ladbrokes I was that confident. As for the semi against Arsenal I actually had us to lose 2-0 which went against the grain really.
Who do you tip to win next year's FA Cup?
Next year I feel that Newcastle are a good tip for the cup providing Bellamy doesn't spout his mouth off and get suspended and Shearer doesn't get injured. I also feel Everton would be a good tip as Moyes has done a cracking job and will still be smarting from losing to Shrewsbury. That result must really hurt and I bet he wants to go along way next season. But for a real outside bet look no further than Sheffield United if we can keep hold of players such as Kenny, Brown, Jagielka (how he didn't make the PFA team I will never know) and Tonge. You can bet your bottom dollar I will be back to defend my title; I'm hooked!
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