Mini-league mayhem: 35 teams compete in fgi's manchester mini-league

The season is heading into an exciting finale as the competition for European qualification gets incredibly fierce and the clamour to avoid the drop becomes desperate. Just as combative is the Pilkington Fantasy Football as the gladiatorial battle for the top spot gathers pace.

One Fantasy Football manager in particular rose victorious from the pack. Chris Jones, a Pilkington employee from Birmingham, racked up the most points with his team, Crispy Deamons in January. Far from being flaky, the impressive performance from Crispy Deamons was based on a strong defence and a goal scoring midfield. His reward is a weekend break to a Marriott Hotel for two.

The passion within the Pilkington Fantasy Football is just as intense as the actual Premiership, especially in the mini leagues.

The FGI Premier League established by Float Glass Industries in Manchester is one of the most intensely fought. Home to 35 teams the action is cut throat and compelling. If a manager has had a strong points scoring weekend, the office is a good place to be on Monday with bragging rights secured. However, if the weekend was packed with disappointment with points thin on the ground, it takes a certain amount of stoicism to face fellow managers.

One manager at FGI who bounds into work with a spring in his step most Monday mornings is Chris Edwards. Chris is the finance director at FGI and manager of Chris' Corinthian Credit. He has risen like Lazarus through the league to secure a Chelsea-esque grip. Chris is sure that his position as holder of the purse strings at FGI has nothing to do with his success. He comments: ‘I totally refute the allegation that my fellow managers won't get paid unless I'm allowed to win the league. It's been fair and square. Honest.

‘I would put my success down to fox-like cunning and keeping a very close eye on the fixture list to ensure my players are playing in every game. Being a Leeds fan also has its advantages and there's no need to laugh at that statement. Whilst I can't cheer on Leeds in the Premiership, my team is stacked with former Leeds favourites. Paul Robinson has performed heroics in goal, Rio Ferdinand is having a great season and even Harry Kewell is now showing glimpses of his best form. I couldn't bring myself to sign Alan Smith as that would be treachery.

‘It has added an extra dimension to customer conversations as well. The topic of Fantasy Football always crops up and it seems everybody is playing it.'

There is still the top prize to aim for - an all expenses trip to a sporting event of the winner's choice, which is open to non-Pilkington employees only. There is also the chance to win the Manager of the Month award, which again is rewarded with a great prize of a weekend break away

Playing the game couldn't be easier. With £100 million burning a hole in your pocket, choose from the good and the bad of the Premiership. Pick the right formation, get the most points on the board and you will be heading off for a luxury break as manager of the month to a Marriott Hotel*.

The road to Premiership will be fraught with triumphs and pitfalls. Go to www.pilkington.com/fantasyfootball and prove your managerial worth. Alternatively telephone the Pilkington fantasy football hotline on 01744 692000 for more details.