
Tom Ellis
Tom writes the numbers-first football. He owns the weekly FPL captain pick, the xG-led match breakdowns, the head-to-head deep-dives and the predictor articles. Before joining FootballBoard he was a sports-data analyst — the kind of writer who leads with the metric, then explains why it matters, and slips a caveat in parentheses where most would put a dramatic adjective.
By Tom
13 articles
OpinionFootball Focus Signs Off After 52 Years on BBC One
Alex Scott presented the final edition of Football Focus on BBC One, bringing down the curtain on one of British football broadcasting's longest-running programmes.
By Tom Ellis · 24 May 2026
Stats & FPLFPL Gameweek 38 Tips: Bowen Captain, Kroupi and Palmer in Final-Day XI
With Arsenal and Man City with nothing to play for, FPL managers should target players from clubs chasing Europe or fighting relegation on the final day.
By Tom Ellis · 23 May 2026
Stats & FPLFPL Gameweek 38: Bowen captain, Kroupi and Palmer among picks
With Arsenal and City having nothing to play for, targeting players from clubs still chasing Europe or fighting relegation is the smart move for GW38.
By Tom Ellis · 23 May 2026
OpinionLennon: 'Underdogs bite' as Dunfermline target Scottish Cup shock
Neil Lennon says critics have been 'disrespectful' to his Championship side and warns Celtic that Dunfermline will arrive at Hampden with genuine belief on Saturday.
By Tom Ellis · 22 May 2026
Europa LeagueCrystal Palace in Europe: What a Conference League win means for English clubs
A Palace victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig would push English representation in UEFA club competitions to nine teams next season, here's how the maths works.
By Tom Ellis · 21 May 2026Europa LeagueAston Villa Win Europa League: 3-0 Over Freiburg Ends 44-Year Wait
Aston Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul to claim their first European trophy in 44 years, with goals from Tielemans, Buendia and Rogers.
By Tom Ellis · 21 May 2026
OpinionFootball Focus ends after 52 years: the moments that defined it
The BBC's Football Focus broadcasts its final episode this Sunday after 52 years on air, with fans voting on which iconic moment gets one last airing.
By Tom Ellis · 21 May 2026
Europa LeagueAston Villa Win Europa League: Emery Claims Record Fifth Title
Aston Villa demolished Freiburg 3-0 in Istanbul to hand Unai Emery a record fifth Europa League triumph, ending the club's 30-year wait for major silverware.
By Tom Ellis · 21 May 2026Premier LeagueRooney: Man City Won't Match Guardiola Era Without Pep
Wayne Rooney says Manchester City's success is inextricably tied to Pep Guardiola, warning the club face a steep drop-off if the Spaniard departs.
By Tom Ellis · 19 May 2026Premier LeagueIraola: European finish would be 'best way' to end Bournemouth reign
Andoni Iraola says qualifying for Europe would be the perfect send-off as he prepares to leave Bournemouth after three seasons when his contract expires this summer.
By Tom Ellis · 18 May 2026Champions LeagueEriksen Inspires Wolfsburg as St Pauli's Bundesliga Dream Ends
Christian Eriksen was the unlikely hero as Wolfsburg beat St Pauli 3-1 at Millerntor to keep their Bundesliga survival hopes alive on a dramatic final day.
By Tom Ellis · 18 May 2026League OneChris Hogg appointed Northampton Town manager on two-year deal
Northampton Town have handed Chris Hogg his first head-coach role on a two-year contract as they look to rebuild after relegation from League One.
By Tom Ellis · 18 May 2026
Premier LeagueJonathan Gjoshe: Stabbed Seven Times, Now Searching for a New Club
Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe has spoken publicly for the first time about being stabbed seven times in the November 2024 mass train attack.
By Tom Ellis · 18 May 2026


