Nick nips in to win contest

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

Nick Jones, 37, of Marshgate, received a cheque for £100, courtesy of game sponsor Wickes, after topping the table in March.

His team Jonesy’s Jokers amassed 96 points during the month, beating more than 2,750 rivals to top spot.

The nearest rival Nick, who works as a financial planner for St James’ Place, on Shrewsbury Business Park, was just one point behind.

Nick’s victory is all the more remarkable as he has not changed his team once since he picked his 11 players back in August.

His team of Premier League stars remains: J Reina (Liverpool), P Jagielka (Everton), G Bale (Tottenham), R Carvalho (Chelsea), Geovanni (Man City), J Cole (Chelsea), S Giannakopoulos (Bolton), C Ronaldo (Man Utd), F Torres (Liverpool) and D Bent (Tottenham).

Nick was amazed to scoop the prize without having made a transfer in eight months.

He said: “I was absolutely surprised as I have not had the time to actively manage my team.

“All the players are decent but some of them, like Bale, have been out injured for months.

“If I’d had the time to log in, I would have swopped them about but it was lucky I didn’t.”

Shrewsbury Town season ticket holder Nick has been disappointed by the team’s progress this season.

He says: “I have been going since the late 1970s and it has been hard to support what we have been served up recently.

“We have a young side who have been struggling with the pressure at times.

“Relegation to the Conference has been in the back of our minds at times but I think we will be safe.”

Nick follows Spurs in the Premier League and went to their 2-1 Carling Cup final victory over the favourites Chelsea in February.

He also continues to play five-a-side football regularly.

“I am slowing a bit now but I can still do a job,” he says.