His decision to captain Sadio Mane in Gameweek 38 was vital in helping Michael Coone win 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League, but it was a late, late goal at Elland Road that ultimately sealed his success.
Heading into last Sunday’s finale in third place, nine points off the lead, the Irishman earned 32 armband points off Mane, who scored twice in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
However, it was a goal by West Bromwich Albion’s Hal Robson-Kanu, which denied one of Coone’s rivals a crucial Leeds United shutout, that proved decisive for his team Teddy Bears Utd.
"I was getting alerts to my phone and it looked like I was going to lose by a point with about five minutes to go because a rival had Stuart Dallas, who was on for two bonus points as Leeds were keeping a clean sheet," Coote told premierleague.com.
"But then Robson-Kanu scored a late goal for West Brom and that clinched it for me.
"It was absolutely thrilling, the way I won. It came down to the last kick of the ball nearly."
'It's absolutely massive in Ireland'
Liverpool fan Coone claimed a record-breaking score of 2,680 points to beat 8.2million other managers to the FPL title.
For Coone, though, winning his family mini-league was just as sweet.
"We've always been competing. I know I've won this year but I've battled before and lost to my brothers and brother-in-law," he says.
There are no hard feelings, however, with Coone's family delighted to see him triumph.
"They're over the moon with my win, they are very supportive," he adds. "They have been getting a great kick. I've been on national media and been doing interviews, they've been glued to it.
"It's got incredible attention over here in Ireland since I've won it. I've been in a lot of media since and a lot of people have been sending well-wishes. It's absolutely massive in Ireland."
Anfield trip on the cards
Coone's prize is a seven-night break in the UK including VIP hospitality at two 2021/22 Premier League matches, travel and accommodation, a Hublot connected watch, a copy of FIFA 21 and a games console, a Nike manager jacket and an FPL goody bag.
When it comes to taking in the Premier League action, the Liverpool fan has no doubts where he wants to visit.
"It has to be Liverpool at Anfield," he explains. "Liverpool versus Manchester United, Liverpool versus Manchester City would be intriguing for me. They'd be great matches.”
See: Get your FPL season in review
Also in this series
Part 1: Captain Mane makes Irish Liverpool fan FPL champion
Part 3: FPL champion's tips: Look for value in defence early on
Part 4: FPL champion's tips: Don’t take risks with the captaincy
Part 5: FPL champion's tips: Plan ahead with transfers
