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FANTASY FOOTBALL expert Alan Jones has picked up the Serie A-dvertiser Manager of the Month Award following a remarkable string of high-scoring gameweeks throughout September.

Jones gladly collected his prize, a €50 voucher for Brian James, from competition sponsor Brian O’Shea, and Advertiser assistant general manager Kieran Healy and sports columnist Adam Moynihan on Wednesday.

Scores of 61, 74 and 90 left him in a good position going into the final weekend of the month and, in the end, his decision to captain Tottenham striker Harry Kane paid off big time.

Kane scored twice against Huddersfield to earn Jones 26 points and when Ben Davies chipped in with a goal, assist and clean sheet in the same game, a big tally was always on the cards.

Further clean sheets from David de Gea, Nicolás Otamendi and namesake Phil Jones helped him to an impressive total of 72.

Jones saw off stiff competition from runner-up Mark O’Keeffe who made a bold choice in triple captaining Kane (39 points), an option only available to managers one time per season. Unfortunately for Mark, his whopping 91-point haul left him with 293, just four off the top spot.

Tom Nolan and John Brendan O’Brien were also in contention but they ultimately came up short by five and six points respectively.

In the overall table, August Manager of the Month Darren O’Mahoney finds himself in joint first with Kevin McCarthy on 457 points, one ahead of Kilcummin footballer Noel Duggan in third. There are currently 374 players in total.

Speaking at the prize-giving, sports columnist Adam Moynihan congratulated Alan on his win.

“Alan was very consistent right throughout September,” he said. “Obviously making Kane captain was crucial but his defenders also earned him a lot of points, and he made the right changes at the right times to get over the line.”

Looking ahead to the coming weeks, Adam reckons it’s a good opportunity for casual players to make a push.

“There are only three gameweeks in October with the international break so it should suit guys who maybe don’t have their eye on the overall title,” he said.

“A couple of decent weeks could put them in contention for a prize at the end of the month.”

When asked if he had any advice for would-be contenders, Adam was reluctant.

“I’m actually doing alright this season but I probably wouldn’t be the best person to ask. If I had any secrets I wouldn’t share them anyway. I have my eye on a suit in Brian James.”

Note: Although points already earned will not be transferred over into this league, new players can still join up and compete for monthly prizes. To join, visit fantasy.premierleague.com or open the app, go to ‘join leagues’ and enter the code: 1796307-430526. Updates will be shared here throughout the season. Best of luck.
 

 
Adam Moynihan, left, and Kieran Healy, right, Killarney Advertiser, Brian O’Shea, Brian James, and Alan Jones, winner.