Thoughts:

I'm happiest with the attitude of the first couple of announcements from the new CEO which seems purposeful and signifies an understanding of the issues and a desire to be bold in order to move forward.

I didnt like the reference to gamey/ gimmicky type stuff like tournaments and competitions. I'm happy with squads etc as a promo but for me the focus and future growth will come from creating an intuitive world class trading platform in footballers largely based on performance.

As others have said, I believe that MDE is a good first step towards a mechanic that rewards more directly the quality of an individual peformance, that is in lign with existing MD structure. And realistically 1p for all is the most we could ask for given the current matrix.

If you don't think 1p over the lifetime of most of the best footballers, therefore guaranteeing you a low yield is good then you might as well not be on FI. Genuinely. And that brings me to maybe the main point.

It's really come to the point where many many people have shown their true colours. I say that as someone who, when I acted controversially, did so specifically to engineer positive improvents in the product and attitude of FI, having discussed them at length openly prior.

However, there are some now who regardless of anything, genuinely make it (sadly) their day to day job to spread negativity out of a place of nothing other than spite, bitterness, desire to see others suffer, desire to destroy, and ridicule. It's a waste of a life if you ask me.

Mike mentioned joining the team on their journey, and that they are excited about 2021. Having not been for a while I actually am now too. And this year we're going to need alot of positive debate and constructive criticism to maximise FIs potential and crystallise good ideas.

So I can't control you, but we're at the point now where if you're engaging with trolls you're just creating more negative sentiment at a time when personally I feel it ticking up ever so slightly with each announcement. My TL is fairly peaceful and I mute/unfollow frequently.

That even includes those who just raise the emotional intensity of TL constantly with either demand for rockets, despair at armageddon, or constantly feeling the need for anyone and everyone. I've enjoyed the peace of culling those and finding more thoughtful smaller accounts.

Again, this is not silencing criticism of the product. We need that. It's channeling energy and noise into the right places in a way that is best for you, us and FI. We can use your constructive input. We don't need you biting on the fish hooks of those just out to cause trouble.

Moving on, I am reserving judgment on the share issuance, the reasons, and particularly its effect over the longer term vs the previous model. But right now I don't think it really makes a difference. Certainly nothing in comparison to almost guaranteed yields on top players.

Coming back to that, if you are complaining about the state of the market and prices and also these almost guaranteed yields on some players, again, genuinely consider why you are even here. The concept isn't going to change. Take a player like Alphonso Davies at £1.69.

I think he's now almost certain to yield X MDE per season, potentially Y MD per season, and tnat both of those add up to far more than £1.69. Replace Davies name with many others and I have a target list. Its the same as 4 years ago when FI was tiny. That is FI.

You are never ever going to get FIs accounts, you are never going to get a P+L. Just like always. So either don't play and free yourself from worry or play with what you are comfortable with. Whatever % loss over time will always be less than what you lose in a day at a bookie.

And if you're worried about paper losses, the best way to get those back is to play the game, debate with the right people constructively, help to build it, and cut out the cancerous ones. And most of all, ENJOY the game, as I think I will now much more with these small MDE wins.

We are getting from FI what we need, not necessarily what we want all in one go which is just not possible. I've moved from a feeling of malaise a couple of months ago to a feeling of contentment and intrigue with the direction. So for me at least they're doing something right.

Most of all, I'm actually looking forward from the 7th to winning some money from football over the long term, and seeing what's coming next for FI. I don't want rockets tomorrow or a snapback. I just want a functional, fun, engaging platform and I'm encouraged by the baby steps.

The last 6 months have been difficult on all levels. But there IS more to life than money. There's health, enjoyment, fun, learning, debating, family, creating, laughing and building...and football! We don't have to agree to enjoy those as a community. Leave others behind.

So in 2021 I'm looking forward to seeing on my more relaxed and peaceful TL more memes, more spreadsheets, more laughs, more terrible pumps, more dividend screenshots, more ideas, more good discussions and more innovation from FI driven by us.