FWA Q&A: Bob Harris
We talk to The Sun's Bob Harris about East German food, Swiss ringers and, er, In the Night Garden.First ever newspaper?
The now defunct Birmingham Planet
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
Cricket beckoned until serious injury which also cost me my “other” job which was basically playing cricket for a company once a week with the title of assistant progress manager.
What was your finest achievement playing football?
Keeping the score down to under 10 while playing in goal for the press against a team of Swiss ringers who were better than our ringers – by a long way!
Most memorable match covered?
1966 World Cup Final.
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Gordon Banks’ save against Pele in Mexico 70.
Best stadium?
The old Maracana in Rio before it started to fall down because of lack of investment.
...and the worst?
Heysel Stadium, Brussels May 29, 1985.
Your best ever scoop?
Still waiting!
Your personal new-tech disaster?
Far too many to mention – still prefer biro and notepad.
Biggest mistake?
Wiping out a huge feature (did I ever write short ones?) on the old Tandy by pressing the wrong button as the family waited for me to take them to Sunday lunch.
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Eric Morecambe (while he was still alive I hasten to add).
Most media friendly manager?
Who else? The late Sir Bobby Robson.
Best ever player?
Pele, John Charles, Duncan Edwards and, of course, Messi.
Best ever teams (club and international)?
Liverpool (76-81); Real Madrid (1955-60); Man Utd Treble winners (1999); Birmingham City (1956); Brazil (1970 and other dates).
Best pre-match grub?
Not too much choice outside the Barclays Premier League.
Best meal had on your travels?
Doyle’s at Watson Bay in Sydney.
...and the worst?
East Germany (various).
Best hotel stayed in?
The Kempinski, Bodrum and a large selection of five stars in Mauritius including the latest addition Long Beach.
...and the worst?
Any number in the old Eastern Europe.
Favourite football writer?
David Lacey (Guardian).
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Mike Ingham and the late Peter Jones.
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Far, far too late, perhaps the Tardis to take us back to pre Premier League wages days.
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
My 10th Olympic Games in London next year (fingers crossed).
Last book read?
The Prometheus Deception by Robert Ludlum.
Favourite current TV programme?
In The Night Garden.
Your most prized football memorabilia?
Signed picture of Bobby Robson and John Charles in action in an England v Wales international.
Bob Harris covers matches for the Sun
Tags: Bob Harris, FWA Q&A, The Sun
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