Steve’s team tops league

A Telford father of two has proved he is on the ball by winning the Shropshire Star’s Fantasy Football manager of the month competition.

Steve Ellams, 38, of School Grove, Oakengates, received a cheque for £100, courtesy of sponsor Wickes, after topping the November table.

His team, Snipers Title Shots, named after the shooting enthusiast’s nickname, amassed 78 points during the month, beating more than 2,700 rivals to top spot.

His team of Premier League stars is: goalkeeper Jose Reina from Liverpool, a defensive line-up of Hermann Hreidarsson from Portsmouth, Martin Laursen of Aston Villa, William Gallas from Arsenal and Patrice Evra of Manchester United, a midfield of Steven Gerrard from Liverpool, Stilian Petrov of Manchester City, Luke Young of Aston Villa and Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, and a front two of Benjani from Portsmouth and Adebayor of Arsenal.

Telford United season ticket holder Steve entered the competition to take on brother Lee and father David.

Steve says: “It was free to play and local so I knew I stood a bigger chance of winning. I thought I had blown it this month as some of my players were not performing.

“I had to make some changes.”

Steve, who is due to marry fiancee Maxine Morris in Florida next year, says: “I hope my team can go the distance and win the overall competition next May.

“I didn’t count on winning a monthly prize so I will have to keep my fingers crossed.”

* Fans can still sign up to stand a chance of winning the £2,000 top prize or the remaining five £100 manager of the month awards. Simply click here and enter the registration password: Wembley.