Greetings football fans - it's terrific to be back.

For the next few weeks the door is open for new participants. If you have a friend, loved one, work colleague, or smarter than average pet, now is the time to let them know so they can join in.

How to join

You need to create an account (which is free) and be a registered user (also free) on the site. That means creating a login, validating your email address and setting a password. You can visit the site when not signed in, and even add comments, but nobody without a working login can ever appear on the ladder. Once you've done that, sign in and leave a comment on this page letting me know you'd like to participate this season. I'll sort things out from there.

My LIttle Helper has put together a page which will help explain how it all works - you can check it out here.

Please note that at some point we will close the window for new tipsters. Apologies in advance if you miss out.

Existing tipsters

For those of you that have participated in previous seasons, and would like to go around again, the good news is that you have already been pre-registered. You're most welcome to add a comment letting me know that you're back, but you don't have to.

I'll also have more details for everyone in the days ahead, but the tipping rules remain the same, and there will be cash prizes for those that finish on the podium (and a few random prizes throughout the season). At a time when inflation and cost-of-living pressures are out of control, you'll be pleased to hear that we have kept our prices for this season exactly the same as last season. It's still free. Freaking free. We don't know how we do it either, but the secret ingredient is love. Love and whisky.

As always, if you have any questions or just want to say hello, add your comments on the page and I'll respond as soon as I can.