Insurance Times talks to the Howden independent non-exec director and chair at both ITC Compliance and Fortegra Insurance about his strong performance in Fantasy Football this season
Gameweek 31 begins this Saturday morning at 12.30am, as in-form Everton welcome injury hit Arsenal to Goodison Park.
With just eight gameweeks left, there is limited chance for managers to climb – or fall – in the table, so managers should make sure they are focused on the remaining fixtures to finish as high as they can.
Before the gameweek starts, however, we wanted to speak to John King, who currently sits in seventh in the Insurance Times Fantasy Football League, 16 points ahead of Markerstudy’s Richard Rhee.
King previously worked for the FCA and now holds a portfolio role in the sector as an independent non-exec for Howden and chair of both ITC Compliance and Fortegra Insurance.
His team name, Arsenal 3 Solvency 2, is the best insurance-related team name in the league, as voted for by the Insurance Times editorial team. Step your game up next year guys.
1. Congratulations on being in seventh for GW30, how do you rate your chances of staying in the top 10?
Yes, there is still a lot to play for and use of chips is going to very important, especially with teams having double and blank game weeks due to the FA Cup semi-finals.
It looks like Liverpool will win the league with games to spare and I also think the relegation places will be confirmed early.
As a result, there may be some surprising results and team selections, as some clubs will have nothing to play for.
2. What are the key decisions to make ahead of GW31?
I need to have a fresh look at my squad for GW31, given some injuries picked up during the international break and last gameweek.
I always try to have some money in reserve to give me some flexibility in the transfer market.
With forthcoming blank and double game weeks, it is essential to study the fixture list and plan accordingly a few weeks ahead.
For example, Will Trent Alexander-Arnold still be selected by Liverpool given his impending move to Real Madrid?
3. Who would you call out as an under-rated player for everyone’s Fantasy squad?
Mo Salah, given his points to pounds ratio!
Joking aside, Nottingham Forest players have, so far, served me well given their surprising run this season.
4. Who or what would you like to call out in the insurance industry?
When leaving the FCA in 2019 I joined A-Plan because of the respect I had for Carl Shuker.
Now that A-Plan has become part of Howden, I’d also call out David Howden as well, with how he has built Howden into the force that it is today.
My former employers, the FCA, have a difficult job in trying to balance consumer protection alongside growth and competitiveness.
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