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FWA Q&A: JOHN LEY

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JOHN LEY of the Daily Telegraph on a numb right arm..a Faroe time eating puffin….and missing out on the world’s largest brandy

Have you ever worked in a profession other than football?
No, apart from a paper round. I started in the profession at 15, while still at school, working part-time for the Hayters Sports Reporting Agency, plugging in telephones (the ones that weren’t mobile) and reading copy over for journalists to copy-takers. Although now as a production journalist at the Telegraph, I handle all sports.

Most memorable match?
Played in or watched? I once took part in a game between Speedway Writers and Speedway Riders at Oxford United’s old Manor Ground, when I was a sports reporter on the Oxford Mail. A lot of the top riders were on show that day and I remember I had a one-on-one with their goalkeeper, the former world champion Ole Olsen. I was just about to shoot and another top rider, Simon Wigg, pulled my shorts down in front of around 3,000 fans. Mind you, I did win the ‘Knobbliest Knees’ competition at half-time.

As for game covered, I have two. Covering the Milk Cup Final, between Oxford and QPR was special because ‘little’ Oxford were punching so above their weight at the time it was incredible. To win 3-0 at the old Wembley was just a remarkable achievement and for me to be covering it for the Oxford Mail was very special.

Another game that really sticks in the memory was the World Cup tie between Argentina and Serbia & Montenegro in 2006 in Gelsenkirchen. Diego Maradona was working as a radio pundit just behind me and we watched in awe as they took the Serbs apart, winning 6-0. I described in my Telegraph report as ‘a gift to the world wrapped in blue’. I remember being particularly impressed by one of the goalscorers, an 18-year-old called Lionel Messi.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
The moment James Corden, he of Gavin & Stacey and A League Of Their Own, approached a group of journalists waiting for an England press conference at The Grove in Watford. He touched my arm, said ever-so politely, ‘excuse me sir’ then went up to one of my colleagues, Henry Winter, and said, ‘Excuse me Mr Winter, but I just wanted to say how much I admire your writing.’ Henry just smiled as Henry does and the rest turned away for fear of exploding. A classic moment.

Best stadium?
I love the Amsterdam ArenA but while so many great stadiums are being built, the charm has gone. I used to enjoy going to Deepdale, Preston’s ground. I don’t know why.

…and the worst?
At least most grounds are modern now. I can remember some real old dives, like Wigan’s old Springfield Park when the winds blew panes of glass out of the side of the main stand. Today Health & Safety may have had a word, but they just swept up the bits of glass and played on.

Your personal new-tech disaster?
I turned up at a game without my lap-top so, with the day of the copy-taker long gone, I had to write a 600-word report on my Blackberry. My right thumb has never recovered.

Biggest mistake?
Not accepting an offer to join a web site in the very early days, when I was offered the chance to go in at the bottom creating football stats. The website was bought out for millions and all those involved are, I believe, still on a beach in Barbados with the world’s largest brandy.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
When I was covering Oxford, I travelled with the team and so I was forever asked for my autograph. More recently, somebody thought I was Kenny Sansom. Not, I should add, the Kenny of old who was Arsenal’s greatest left-back, but the Kenny of now who, like us all, has put on a little poundage.

Most media friendly manager?
So many good managers over the years, particularly in the days when there was a far greater bond and trust between football types and the media. Harry Redknapp has always been very good to me, but I have to say Sir Bobby Robson.

He once threatened to put me in a skip and have me taken back to Ipswich when I went into the team’s dressing room at a reserve game before the FA Cup final in 1978. His reserve manager Bobby Ferguson said I could go in to interview Trevor Whymark, but then said he thought I was a ‘friend!’

Robson gave me both barrels, asking me if I’d pay the player’s wages if he was fined for talking to me. He then winked at this very scared 18-year-old reporter, patted me on the back and always spoke to me after that.

And I cannot forget John Lyall. I was still at school when I interviewed him for the school magazine; he went to the same school – Ilford County High – as me and granted an interview the day before a game. He said then he would always ‘open doors’ as even at 15 I was sure I wanted to be a reporter – and he kept to his word right up until he passed away.

Best ever player?
Denis Law. A genius and a gentleman. Simple as that.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
From a personal note, the Arsenal double-winning side of 1971. Not the most skilful, but a great achievement on a very impressionable 11-year-old.

And I have not seen a better performance than Argentina in 2006.

Best pre-match grub?
Luton Town when they were in the old First Division. Long before good food – or any for that matter – was expected, Luton pushed the boat out and the choice was stunning. I remember nibbling on prawns bigger than the press box.

Best meal had on your travels?
Puffin and chips in the main hotel in Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. Daft choice but it was stunning. Those with me swear they saw a small bird kept flying past the window crying, ‘mummy, where’s my mummy..?’

…and the worst?
A Chicken Kiev in Kiev. It wasn’t chicken – and I had to check I was still in Kiev. Something actually moved on the plate.

Best hotel stayed in?
For pure history, the National in Moscow. I was in room 106 and outside 107 was a plaque claiming Lenin had stayed there [there should be a John Lenin gag there somewhere – Ed]. Incredibly ornate and old charm. Great memories.

…and the worst?
Can’t remember the name, but it was in Kishishev (or Chisinau depending on where you’re from), the capital of Moldova. Wales were playing a World Cup qualifier and we were put in the ‘second best’ hotel. The water in the shower was brown (when it wasn’t grey), the bed had blood stains, the food was non existent and each floor had a people watcher. When you went to your room you got a phone call asking if you required any ‘company’.

On hearing about the lack of food, the Wales management invited us to their hotel for a meal. They had taken their own chefs, who were granted use of the kitchens. We arrived late and just as we ordered four soldiers with machine guns marched, literarily, into the kitchens and turned off the gas. I went hungry.

Do you have a hobby?
I am fascinated by history so like delving into my family tree when I can. I have also taken up bowls (the lawn green variety). But football stats are what I live for.

Favourite football writer?
There are few as good and consistent as Henry Winter, but Martin Samuel is outstanding and Patrick Barclay is still one of the best.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Peter Drury, to me, is the ultimate professional. But I still miss Bryon Butler, whose dulcet tones could make a shopping list sound sexy.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Be more trusting and realise that we are all in this together.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
The Augusta Masters. It just looks stunning and the atmosphere is remarkable.

Favourite non-football sportsman/sports woman?
Muhammad Ali. The Greatest.

Last book read?
Newton and the Counterfeiter by Thomas Levenson. Fascinating tale about Sir Isaac and his battle to protect the Royal Mint.

Favourite current TV programme?
Anything on the History Channel.

TV show you always switch off?
Any Soap. They all look the same.

If you could bring one TV series back which would it be?
Frasier. Comedy writing at its very best. There were 264 episodes. I would kill for a 265th.

Favourite comedian?
Tommy Cooper. Glass, bottle; bottle glass.

Favourite singer/group?
Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Saw the Blockheads perform before Christmas. Made an old man very happy.

What really, really annoys you?
People emailing me asking me to fill in a Q&A.  And lorry drivers.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
Two: One is a pair of signed boots from Ryan Giggs. I was working on behalf of a charity at the hospital, St Mary’s in London, where my daughter had been looked after. I asked Ryan to sign a Manchester United shirt and when I told him what it was for he offered me a pair of his signed boots. At the subsequent auction I attempted to boost the bidding my joining in. I ended up with a very large hole in my bank account – but I do have his boots.

The other is the programme from the night Arsenal won the old First Division at White Hart Lane in 1971. It is special not only because I was there, as an 11-year-old, but that the great Eusebio was sitting behind me and I have his autograph on it.

Advice to anyone coming into the football media world?
Don’t ask me, I’m an old hack.

Seriously, I do get asked many times about how to get into the business, and I also lecture occasionally at Harlow College, home to the oldest journalism course in the country.

My advice is simple: show incredible enthusiasm. Too many people I speak to talk a good game, but when it comes to it, they don’t really have their heart in it.

Brian Mawhinney: Why England’s World Cup bid failed

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Former Football League chairman BRIAN MAWHINNEY, who was deputy chairman of the bid to stage the 2018 finals, reveals…

WHY ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP BID FAILED

By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

MORE than most people involved in football, Brian Mawhinney has been there, seen it and done it.

In 2003 he was appointed chairman of the Football League in succession to Keith Harris, spending seven years in the position. After one year in office, he oversaw a re-organisation of the League’s structure, including renaming the former Division One as the Football League Championship. A former Northern Ireland Sports Minister, he was deputy chairman of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Now Baron Mawhinney of Peterborough, he has also served as chairman of the Conservative party during his 26 years as an MP.

In his autobiography, Just A Simple Belfast Boy, he takes us behind the world of politics, football politics, giving a damning verdict on England’s failed World Cup bid and FIFA’s “unimpressive” behaviour as Qatar won the right to host the 2022 finals.

WORLD CUP BID

The choreography of our bid presentation in Zurich was rightly hailed as another success, but the voters were not impressed. They wanted more substance from the contenders. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister’s speech was dismissed by our team as too long, complicated and boring. But he addressed the members’ real concerns about Russia – infrastructure, stadia, travel distances and so on – in an impressive and reassuring way. Mr Putin understood what he was doing and what was being done in his name.

When it came to Qatar’s turn to present its case, the wife of the Emir cut through the tendency towards Hollywood hype. She asked a pointed, searing question. When did FIFA members think would be the ‘right time’ to hold the World Cup finals in an Arab country? Despite Qatar’s burning heat, the voters got the political message.

For our part we made legacy claims which simply were not believable and talked about how we would use football to change lives in a way that must have seemed like scratching the surface to those whose lives and countries literally had been transformed by the beautiful game. Our bid was polished, professional and very well received. Sadly its substance was not thought to match its presentation.

No country received better accolades from FIFA for its bid book and inspection visit. So why only one vote apart from [England’s FIFA ex-co representative] Geoff Thompson’s? In no particular order: we were seriously underfinanced; we got our strategy wrong; we created management and governance structures which were dogged by conflicting egos and football politics, too much of which stemmed from the senior ranks of the FA; we had little, if any, influence in FIFA; the British media had become the bête noire and the Premier League and its clubs did not flex their considerable financial and sporting muscle sufficiently on our behalf.

Geoff Thompson is an honourable man of genuine integrity. I count him a Christian friend; but not even his best friends would claim he commands situations, compels support or shapes outcomes. His judgment is usually sound but too low key for the brash world of FIFA football. And he was our one and only national representative among the FIFA elite. He told me he thought he had persuaded some of his friends on the executive committee to vote for us, presumably believing their word. In the event they let him down. Or, to be blunt, they lied to him. Maybe they thought, knowing Geoff’s sense of Christian forgiveness, that their lack of morality was relatively risk free.

FIFA’s behaviour throughout the process was unimpressive, to put it delicately. It had created a strong sense that its judgments would be objectively based on demonstrably fair criteria. This turned out to be nonsense. Qatar’s risk factor assessment was high, though not, of course, when it came to finance. The country was deemed to have insufficient infrastructure, no stadia (except on planning paper) and a temperature which would be around 45 degrees Celsius at game time.

And what notice did ExCo members, including Sepp Blatter, take of this risk assessment? None.

THE PRESS

My first press conference was a revelation. Two questions predominated. The first was, chairman – a politician? A Conservative politician? (in tones which parodied John McEnroe’s famous ‘you cannot be serious’). This was an early warning of football’s disdain for government and politicians. On that first day, the cream of English football reporting had great difficulty in progressing beyond the box labelled ‘politics.’ There was no recognition that I may have any skills – inherited or learned – relevant experience or personal commitment.

Indeed the continued use of the word ‘politician’ too often sounded as if it was accompanied by a curl of the lip. English football fans deserved something a little more analytical and, dare I add, more objective.

The second question was how many clubs I thought the Football League would lose by the end of the season. The reporters’ downbeat assessment was that six to eight clubs could go out of business. I told them I did not have a crystal ball and would not guess (‘speculate’ is the polite word).

Many football journalists are transfixed by speculation; perhaps because so much about football revolves around prediction, passion, prejudice, hope and injury rather than hard fact. To be fair, they have to explain a game where the past is never a reliable indicator of the future. Some journalists thrive on substituting ‘what-if or maybe’ in place of informed judgment. They talk and write as if feelings are a solid base for factual analysis – or indeed even for guesswork. ‘How do/did you feel’ has become the lazy substitute for proper questioning in football, as it has throughout the media. ‘What do you think?’ seldom gets examined.

Fortunately there are outstanding exceptions to this slightly unflattering generalisation. Each of us will have his favourites. Mine include, but are not restricted to, Patrick Barclay, David Conn, Charlie Sale, Martin Samuel, Henry Winter and Jimmy Armfield.

CHEATING

So what is cheating? Other than physically endangering an opposing player, the cheating I find most unacceptable is the deliberate blocking of the taking of free-kicks by the refusal of one or more players to retreat 10 yards immediately a free-kick has been given against their side. The rule book says that is a yellow card offence. Instead what we see far too often is a deliberate and often apparently practised effort to prevent the taking of the free-kick by the team that offended. Shame on the guilty managers.

When you add to this the pervasive stealing of yards at throw-ins and free-kicks, players claiming advantage they know they do not deserve, or illegally trying to intimidate the referee, the deliberate illegal holding, often wrestling, of opponents in the penalty area, shirt-pulling of epidemic proportions, iniquitous diving, bad-mouthing referees, the feigning of injury (in an attempt to falsely damage the prospects of an opposing player) you are left wondering why managers do not, and do not even want to, exercise more control over their players and why club directors do not insist they do.

A flurry of yellow cards, as the laws require, would lead to player expulsions, is an argument against such punishment. There would be short-term mayhem. So what? Once managers understand that the change in attitude was permanent they would very quickly force a change of behaviour from their players. And the game – faster, cleaner, fairer – would be transformed for the benefit of the fans. But everyone opts for being loved rather than respected.

*Just A Simple Belfast Boy by Brian Mawhinney (Biteback Publishing, £25 hardback).

FWA Q&A: Jacqui Oatley

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JACQUI OATLEY of BBC Radio 5 Live on when she made Wenger lose the will to live…laughing at a guest’s name…and cold cabbage in Donetsk

Have you ever worked in a profession other than football?
Yes, I accidentally fell into intellectual property. I did a German degree before travelling round the world for a year, expecting to know what I wanted to do by the end of it. But I still had no idea. I didn’t realise that a career in football was a realistic option. I moved to London and, via a language agency, became sales and marketing manager for an intellectual property software company, later becoming key account manager protecting clients’ brands on the internet. But when I dislocated my knee cap and ruptured the ligaments playing football, I was told I could never play again. During my 10 months on crutches the football fires burnt inside me, so I researched the prospect of working in sports journalism. I started doing hospital radio, took evening courses in print journalism and radio production, followed by several months of full-time unpaid work experience (I’d given up my flat and job and was sleeping on friends’ floors) before moving up to Sheffield to do a one-year postgrad in broadcast journalism and freelancing as a non-league reporter for BBC Radio Leeds. I loved every minute of it.

Most memorable match?
I’m lucky to have been to so many top football matches, including major tournaments around the world. It’s incredibly difficult to pick out one match but commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live at the World Cup in South Africa was a real career highlight. I had to pinch myself that I was there to work, especially as it was in the country of my mother’s birth and I’d been there several times to visit family. My first match was England’s Group C rivals Algeria v Slovenia in Polokwane – a fantastic experience – and I followed it up with several more commentaries in different cities around South Africa, including the beautiful Cape Town. Another highlight was the 2012 Olympics and Team GB women’s victory over Brazil at Wembley in front of 70,000 people, demonstrating how far the game had developed both on and off the pitch.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
So many to choose from but I’ll go for Gazza’s wonderful goal for England against Scotland at Euro 96, but I’d start watching a couple of minutes earlier when Gary McAllister’s penalty was saved by David Seaman (justice was done as Tony Adams had won the ball cleanly from Gordon Durie). Cue wild celebrations all over the country.

Best stadium?
I loved both the Allianz Arena in Munich and the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, the latter because it looks like a spaceship at night. For old school charm you can’t beat Craven Cottage by the Thames. Their fans by the press box are always up for a friendly chat.

…and the worst?
That has to be Amstetten in Austria where England’s women played a World Cup qualifier in 2005. The venue was more of a community ground than a football stadium and my ISDN line, which I needed to report for 5 Live, was in the main building’s office about 50 yards away from the edge of the stadium. I could barely see any of the action, let alone the four goals England scored. The England women have had to play in some dreadful grounds over the years…

Your personal new-tech disaster?
The only real nightmare I’ve had, touch wood, was a lovely interview Arsene Wenger gave me for 5 Live before Arsenal’s final match at Highbury. This was in the days when he did separate interviews for radio, TV, written press, etc. A Capital Radio reporter and I had plenty of time with a relaxed, friendly Wenger as he waxed lyrical about the history of the famous old ground and the magical feeling he had when he walked into the Marble Halls to see the bust of Herbert Chapman. To my horror, I discovered afterwards that there had been a technical problem with the equipment and it hadn’t recorded properly. To compound matters, the Capital Radio lad had a hiss on his recording so neither was usable. Around 45 minutes later, after he’d completed several further rounds of interviews on the same subject, I persuaded a tired Arsene to give me a couple more minutes. It was a generous gesture from one of my favourite interviewees, but of course he was losing the will to live by that point and the interview was very different. A stressful day.

Biggest mistake?
Being unable to contain my laughter when I was presenting a non-league segment on BBC Radio Leeds in my early days of broadcasting. My telephone guest had an unusual name which still makes me laugh to this day. I was paranoid that I’d laugh when I introduced him and that’s precisely what happened. I was in bits while trying to sound normal and had to pretend we’d lost the line and move on. Embarrassingly unprofessional in hindsight, I just lost it.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
The tea lady in the Old Trafford press room. I’ve been mistaken for Juliette Ferrington a few times and she’s had the same, seeing as we’re the only regular female football reporters on 5 Live. Outside of football, I’ve been mistaken for both Anthea Turner and her sister, Wendy, but not for a few years.

Most media friendly manager?
As I mentioned, Arsene Wenger is great to interview. He’ll hardly ever snap at a reporter or refuse to answer a question and gives fully considered answers. Although I was at the pre-Bayern Munich press conference last season which shocked a few of us. He was angry about a newspaper headline that day. Roberto Martinez is a gem – such a nice, calm, friendly man who treats reporters with respect.

Best ever player?
Difficult to tell as I didn’t see enough of Pele, and tragically nobody got to see enough of Duncan Edwards, but Maradona was the greatest when I was little and remains so. Messi may well become the greatest ever but not before he’s won the World Cup, or at least come close.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
This would be easier to answer if I were 100 years old. Barcelona around 2011 were phenomenal, although it’s impossible to say they were the best as football has evolved so much in different ways since Manchester United in the 60s, Ajax in the 70s and AC Milan in the 80s. Then there’s the United side which won the treble in 99, they weren’t too bad. In terms of international teams, I’ve seen videos of the Brazil 1970 team and the likes of Pele, Jairzinho and Tostao could play a bit. Wow. Although so too can Xavi and Iniesta and they’ve won three major trophies in a row.

Best pre-match grub?
It’s between Arsenal and Chelsea…..I’ll go for Chelsea because of the variety on offer. Salad, hot food, sandwiches, etc.

Best meal had on your travels?
A restaurant in Shanghai, China, at the Women’s World Cup in 2007 with other media folk. I remember being starving for the entire tournament as we were travelling and filming so much between matches, plus I was working for radio too, so was always on the go. We could never just find something quick and easy to eat so often went without.

…and the worst?
My hotel breakfast in Donetsk after a Spurs match the night before. It was more of a youth hostel than a hotel. I slept on a mattress on the floor and there were no windows, no power sockets and the shower didn’t work so you could imagine the standard of breakfast. I was famished as I couldn’t get late dinner the night before and found there was cold cabbage and other similarly unappetising offerings for breakfast. Again, I went without.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
I’ve always wanted to go to the Masters golf at Augusta. That course always looks stunning so to see a British winner there, preferably Justin Rose or Luke Donald, would be perfect. I’d also love to see England win an Ashes Test at the MCG in Melbourne. I’ve seen an Aussie Rules match there and I’ve watched England beat the Aussies at Lord’s, but an Ashes victory at “the G” would be lovely, thanks.

Last book read?
“Footballer” by Kelly Smith, England’s greatest ever female player. It was frustrating to read about the struggles of such a richly talented footballer growing up in an era when women’s football wasn’t respected in England. She had to go to America to become a full-time professional where her talent was recognised, although she suffered with several injuries as well as alcoholism. A very good read.

Favourite current TV programme?
In terms of football it would be Football Focus. I don’t get much time to watch non-sport programmes but I do like Location, Location, Location, usually while hanging up the washing and entertaining my toddler at the same time. Have I Got News For You is another long-standing favourite. I love satire.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
Not one item in particular apart from signed shirts from my own club. I also have signed Fulham and Blackburn shirts from my first ever Match of the Day commentary which evoke mixed memories.

Advice to anyone coming into the football media world?
Work extremely hard and treat people well. It’s a very tough profession to make a living out of so when you’re starting out you can’t afford to pick and choose which days you fancy working around social commitments. You have to be prepared to travel to where the work is, maybe move to another part of the country or beyond and work all the anti-social hours going. Oh, and you may have to do it for very little pay, if any, initially. Those with an aptitude for the job and the confidence to make contacts and ask for phone numbers will progress, those who don’t fancy working too many Saturdays and moan about their lot won’t get very far. Also, a sense of humour definitely helps in this business.

CHELSEA FANS HAPPY BUT A SECOND DIVORCE SEEMS LIKELY

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Fleet Street sceptical about the return of the Special One

WHAT IS undeniable is that Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea will make football writers’ jobs easier. Confrontation yes, but dull he isn’t. And we can expect to see the best side of Mourinho when he is officially unveiled at a press conference on Monday. The Special One will be the Charismatic One…the Smiling One.

Yet for many the phrase “charm offensive” will be more fitting for Mourinho who has the ability to charm and offend in frustratingly equal proportions. A coach who has been hugely successful at FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and, in the eyes of some, “only” successful at Real Madrid has made a habit, almost an art form, of making enemies among the press, his players, his clubs’ powerbrokers, opponents and referees (plus an ambulance service).

Explaining Mourinho’s departure from Stamford Bridge by mutual consent (plus an £18 million compensation cheque) in September 2007, Chelsea said: “The relationship been Jose and the club has broken down.”

When you split with a partner and attempt to get together again, the reasons for the initial split remain, so will it be different second time round for the Portuguese and the Russian? Will Roman Abramovich soften his hands-on approach to his managers? Will Mourinho accept the involvement of technical director Michael Emenalo?

Mourinho will undoubtedly be successful, most Chelsea managers are, and the Blues fans will be as pro-Jose as they were anti-Rafa Benitez.

Fleet Street reacted with guarded optimism as the least surprising managerial appointment of the summer became a reality, yet scepticism was obvious about this particular love being lovelier the second time around.

“What a lovely couple they make,” wrote Oliver Kay in The Times. “Jose Mourinho and Chelsea were always a match in heaven. So were Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, of course, but after their brief, turbulent second marriage they always longed for a third.

“It is only natural to regard the second union of Mourinho and Chelsea as the sequel to a tumultuous, doomed but riotously enjoyable love affair. It will surely end in tears given that both he and Roman Abramovich seem to be even more combustible and more impulsive than at the time of their acrimonious split in September 2007, but the issue is whether, like last time, they can bring each other gratification in the short term that makes every bit of pain feel worthwhile.”

Also in The Times, Matt Dickinson believes Mourinho finds himself back at Stamford Bridge as much because of Abramovich’s failure to tempt Pep Guardiola to succeed Roberto di Matteo and then Rafa Benitez. He wrote: “Chelsea fans rejoice now they have their Jose back and their joy is understandable…[but] it was the return that Chelsea did not want, either, until they got a little desperate. No one was buying into Mourinho’s guff about romance and a place in each other’s hearts.

“Roman Abramovich’s passion was Pep Guardiola. Mourinho wanted Manchester United. For two men so accustomed to getting their own way it must be disconcerting to be united in defeat.

“But let us not pretend this is where he, or Chelsea, wanted to be.”

Writing in the Daily Express, Mick Dennis leaves no one in any doubt that he welcomes Mourinho as much as a Norwich City defeat. He said: “Graceless winner, spiteful loser. He is back. Excuse me if I absent myself from the celebrations. There are countless examples of his nastiness. Many think none of it matters. They accept the euphemisms about what Mourinho is and what he does. With a chuckle they talk of him being ‘a character’…but the saddest excuse for the manner in which Mourinho discards the basic tenets of sport and decency is that ‘he is a winner.’

“Indeed he is. And if that is all that counts then he will be allowed to continue debasing the sport which rewards him so handsomely. Some of us just don’t want to celebrate such a depressing decline.”

Henry Winter takes a more upbeat approach in the Daily Telegraph. Under  the headline ‘Welcome back Jose. You have been missed’ Winter takes a romantic view of The Return as he writes: “It was the love affair that never ended. He left. They mourned, falling briefly in the arms of others, hot and cold. Now he is back. It’s Jose Mourinho and Chelsea fans, it’s Mills and Boon and it’s a special relationship that could spell trouble for others.”

But trouble is what Mourinho must avoid. Winter said: “He must heed the gentle warnings of those who respect him as well as basking in the unblinking love of the supporters. A serially shrewd individual, Mourinho needs to consider carefully every interaction. He has history with Premier League referees. He has had issues with Roman Abramovich…he needs to work with, not against, Michael Emenalo.

“Mourinho deserves to be welcomed back. He adds to the excitement. He is an outstanding manager. He will make Chelsea a genuine threat in the title race, arguably favourites. He will make some unpleasant headlines and will find English football is less forgiving this time round. But it is good to see him back.”

James Lawton in The Independent suggests the love affair is a more of a one-way street. He wrote: “In the joyful ceremonials of his resurrection as Chelsea manager we should not for a moment forget that Jose Mourinho is living, swaggering proof that when you fall in love with yourself there is every chance it will prove a life-long romance.

“We should also recognise that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, having been rebuffed by the likes of Pep Guardiola and Juergen Klopp for the most impeccable of reasons, has made his best possible appointment.”

The Sunday Times’ Jonathan Northcroft, speaking on Radio 5Live, thinks it is imperative Mourinho has complete control over team matters, notably transfers. He said: “It was interesting to hear him say he was willing to marry again and it does feel like a couple getting back together. They’ve missed each other, they remember the romance first time round but maybe have forgotten some of the bad times. Let’s remember when he left in 2007 it was because he felt Abramovich was starting to interfere in transfers like Andrei Shevchenko and Mourinho felt he wasn’t able to pick the team…or at least from the squad he wanted.

“Emenalo is in there as Abramovich’s man. He’s been managing transfers for the last couple of years. I think he will have to take a step back. I think the key to it will be Abramovich allowing Mourinho to get on with it because if it [interference] happens again Mourinho’s reaction will be exactly the same.”

Back in the Daily Telegraph, Paul Hayward harbours similar reservations about the second coming of Mourinho. He wrote: “With all this [a multi-talented team] in his favour Mourinho must be confident he can keep Abramovich off his back with rapid progress. A summer splurge by [Manchester] City could alter the rosy picture, but Chelsea are unlikely to hold back either. But there will come a day when Mourinho feels the oligarch above him is exceeding the bounds of acceptable involvement and is messing with his team.

“On that day, blowing kisses to the fans would not save him from Abramovich’s ruthlessness or whims.”

Mourinho has signed a four-year contract which would be unchartered territory for manager and owner if completed. The Guardian’s Owen Gibson wrote: “The odds on Mourinho making it to the end of his four-year contract must be long. The smart money must be on a rollercoaster ride that takes in significant silverware before spectacularly derailing with serious collateral damage.

“The professed aims of stability, youth development and profitability appear almost as far away as ever. But it is a deal most Chelsea fans are only too happy to sign up for.”

In the meantime some dedicated members of the Football Writers’ Association will be leaving their families next month to cover Mourinho II as his return gets underway in Thailand.

FWA Q&A: BOB “the Cat” BEVAN MBE

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BOB “the Cat” BEVAN MBE on a Shorthorn…fun with the Fire Brigade in Mauritius…and Duncan Edwards’ autograph

Have you ever worked in a profession other than after dinner speaking?
Trainee rep in a builder’s merchants in Shoreditch, East London, then sub-editor on Lloyd’s List and Shipping Gazette (world’s oldest daily newspaper) rising to Asst Chief Reporter by age 20, sold Kleen-e-zee Brushes round the doors part-time while at the List as we worked afternoons and evenings, Head of PR for Shorthorn Society and produced six editions of the Dairy Shorthorn Jounal (which I’ll show you if you’re not careful), Deputy Editor, Travel Trade Monthly, Head of PR, European Ferries Plc and Chairman Bevan PR Ltd. Now also do stand-up, interviewing, presenting, script and speech writing including poems.

Most memorable match?
Torn between 1966 World Cup Final, Palace 4 Liverpool 3 FA Cup Semi 1990, and (before I went in goal) Unilever 2 Old Wilsonians 4th XI 8 (Bevan 6 and missed pen).

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Playing in goal at Wembley for Old Burnley v Old Wolves before the Sherpa Van Trophy Final with Bobby Moore and Nobby Stiles. Won 2-0. A rare clean sheet. TVam lost the tape!

Best stadium?
Old Wembley and old Dulwich Hamlet for romance, new Brighton stadium for atmosphere and facilities (that from a Palace supporter).

…and the worst?
Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, the first World Cup Final venue which has been preserved in its original form. Penarol play there with nil cover for the fans in a rainy city. Great history and museum though.  Also saw a game at Boca Juniors, Buenos Aires, about three years ago. Stadium, largely uncovered, like stepping back 50 years but fantastic atmosphere

Your personal new-tech disaster?
My mate Brian Robinson (who I write with) and I did a spoof on the Archers in a script for a Whitbread promotion and I tapped it into the word processor as we went. Somehow I managed to wipe it and had to spend the evening trying to remember it and tap it in again. Didn’t tell him ‘til I’d done it but he couldn’t think of anything I had forgotten. Promotion eventually got cancelled but we did get the money.

Biggest mistake?
On my first overseas press trip at the age of 19, being unfamiliar with airports, I didn’t realise you had to go through to a departure lounge and I missed the flight to Gothenburg where we were due to board a new car ferry on its maiden voyage to England. Upside was I was sharp enough to get on another flight via Copenhagen and walked up the ship’s gangway about 10 minutes before it sailed to much stick from fellow shipping journos

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Playing cricket for the Lord’s Taverners with such celebs as David Frost I was the one person who didn’t get asked for autographs much to the amusement of the rest of the team. At a game in Kent I said to Willie Rushton: “I will get a few down here because I’m on local TV.” As we walked round the ground a woman pushed past Willie and thrust a book into my hand. As I was nudging Willie and signing the book the woman said: “I am right? You are the weatherman?” I looked round. Willie was heading for the dressing room.

Most media friendly manager?
Lots of them because I meet them in good circumstances and we normally have a laugh. Probably have to be Sir Bobby Robson but I also had a special lunch event interviewing and teasing Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp and they were great. My mate Lennie Lawrence is also excellent. A natural.

Best ever player?
Jimmy Greaves

Best ever teams (club and international)?
England 1966 World Cup team and Crystal Palace 1991 team under Geoff Thomas who came third in the old Div 1. Wright, Bright, Andy Thorn, Eric Young, Nigel Martyn etc

Best pre-match grub?
Brighton although Palace has improved enormously under the new owners

Best meal had on your travels?
Brighton before the second leg of the Championship play-off Semi this May

…and the worst?
Perhaps in the Kent CCC Committee Tent at Tunbridge Wells 2012. A pork pie and a lump of cheese dumped on one plate. Shouldn’t admit this as I am the 2013 KCCC President. It’s vastly better this year.

Best hotel stayed in?
Le St Geran, Mauritius, and the manager arranged for me to go to an African Club Champions Cup match. I think the home team were called Fire Brigade but sadly I couldn’t get a programme. They lost to a Zambian side.

…and the worst?
The Gate Hotel, Canterbury, this year. Real Fawlty Towers. No telephone in my room and when I tried to book a cab at reception they did not have a telephone that they could ring out on. There were many other faults, the main one being that the manager didn’t care.

Do you have a hobby?
Collecting football programmes, but almost exclusively games I have attended, football and cricket literature and memorabilia and watching football, closely followed by cricket, especially Test Matches

Favourite football writer?
The late Ian Wooldridge even though he had fallen out of love with football and I didn’t always agree with him. Today probably Henry Winter.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Alan Parry.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Football gets so much free publicity it annoys me when clubs ban journos from the ground or refuse to talk to a section of the press. ie Sir Alex and the BBC. It is disrespectful to the fans. Maybe the FWA should set up a Complaints Panel, recognised by clubs and media companies, to rule on disputes? It could include, among others, a member from the FWA, the LMA, the FA, a fan with PR/media experience and a member of the legal profession as chair*.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Played football at Wembley, cricket at Lord’s and would love to play tennis on the Centre Court at Wimbledon

Favourite non-football sportsman/sportswoman?
Seb Coe.

Last book read?
The Litigators by John Grisham

Favourite current TV programme?
Have I Got News for You

TV show you always switch off?
Anything with Lorraine Kelly

If you could bring one TV series back which would it be?
Morecambe and Wise Show.

Favourite comedian?
Tommy Cooper.

Favourite singer/group?
Rod Stewart (I spoke at his Dad’s 80th birthday party and gave him a copy of my LP! It was one of football gags) I told him “you must have a lot of rubbish LPs in your house, Mr Stewart. Here’s one you’ll enjoy.” Rod took it quite well.

What really, really annoys you in life?
1. Rudeness to waiters.

2. Bad language in songs and chants at football matches. Clubs should try to change the fashion and use players in that campaign.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
Programme of British Army 1 French Army 3 at Dulwich Hamlet 1956 (Brit team inc. Alan Hodgkinson, Jimmy Armfield, Graham Shaw, Eddie Colman, Bill Foulkes, Duncan Edwards, got his autograph). French Army inc. Just Fontaine – 13 goals in 1958 World Cup Finals and 2 pens in this game.

Advice to anyone coming into the after dinner speaking world?
First time I spoke with Frank McLintock he told jokes about as well as I could play at centre-half. When he asked for advice on the train home I said he should dwell on football stories and his experiences as a famous player, which was what the audience wanted to hear, and leave the gags to the comics. He has since become an excellent after dinner speaker. Not sure whether that was due to my advice though! So the advice is remember why you’ve been asked and talk about that. Ray Parlour does great original and funny stuff about Wenger and doesn’t try to tell gags.

*This is something the FWA have spoken to English football’s stakeholders about.

England 0, Brazil 12

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By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

HERE IS the answer: England none, Brazil 12.

The question is: how many overseas players are in the respective squads for Sunday’s friendly in Rio de Janeiro?

Roy Hodgson bemoans the dwindling number of English players in the Barclays Premier League because of the ever growing foreign legion. Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has only half of his squad playing at home. The latest Brazilian export to Europe is Neymar, who this week secured his transfer from Santos to Barcelona,

Hodgson and recent England managers have had minimal travel to watch potential internationals. In the last nine years the only England players of any serious stature who have played abroad are David Beckham (Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich) and Michael Owen (Real Madrid).

On the other hand, a succession of Brazil coaches have had to spend much time in Europe assessing the form of their players.

The last Brazil squad for a World Cup to comprise entirely of home-based players was at Argentina 1978 when England did not qualify. All 22 players selected by coach Claudio Coutinho played in their domestic league.

At Spain 1982 Falcao (AS Roma) and Dirceu (Atletico Madrid) became the first overseas-based Brazilians to play in the finals with Tony Woodcock of Cologne flying the foreign flag for England.

Four years later in Mexico, Brazil had Edinho (Udinese) and Junior (Torino) while England’s two overseas representatives also played in Serie A – the AC Milan pair Ray Wilkins and Mark Hateley.

By Italia 90 the Brazilian exodus was gathering momentum with half of the squad earning their trade in Europe – Jorginho (Bayer Leverkusen), Ricardo Gomes (Benfica), Dunga (Fiorentina), Alemao (Napoli), Branco (Porto), Valdo (Benfica), Careca (Napoli), Romario (PSV), Carlos Mozer (Marseille), Aldair (Benfica) and Muller (Torino) while Silas played for Central Espanol in Uruguay. For England, Chris Waddle was with Marseille, but Rangers had four players with the auld enemy: Gary Stevens, Terry Butcher, Trevor Steven and Chris Woods.

England failed to qualify for USA 94 where Brazil’s victorious squad contained 10 from Europe and one from Japan.

It was a similar story for Brazil at France 98 – Europe 10, Japan 2. All 22 England players played at home.

Ten of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 World Cup were based overseas with Owen Hargreaves of Bayern Munich England’s lone “outsider.”

By Germany 2006 only three of Brazil’s 23-man squad  played at home – goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni plus midfielders Mineiro and Ricardinho. In England’s squad Hargreaves and David Beckham (Real Madrid) were the two from abroad.

In the last World Cup in South Africa, Brazil again had only three “homers” – Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Kleberson (Flamengo) and Robinho (Santos). And again all the England squad were based in England.

Gerry Hitchens (Inter Milan) in 1962 was England’s first overseas player at a World Cup. Since then Brazil have had 100 to England’s eight.

If nothing else, it saves on the England manager’s travel expenses.

FWA Q&A: Paul Lennon

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Paul Lennon of the Irish Daily Star on a smelly Stafa…taking the Pierce…and why Jack is all right

Have you ever worked in a profession other than football?
In weekly newspapers, The Drogheda Local News and Meath Weekender in Navan, I covered news, features, music and many sports. While football featured prominently, so too did gaelic football and, to a lesser extent, hurling. When I began to work in Dublin, I initially combined football with the two gaelic codes.

Most memorable match?
That’s a tough one. For sheer drama on the big occasion, it’s hard to surpass Manchester United’s 2-1 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in 1999. Considering that Alex Ferguson selected a lob-sided midfield, was without the suspended Roy Keane and Paul Scholes and that United were outplayed for lengthy spells, the last gasp double was truly extraordinary.

From an Irish perspective, I was amongst the Green Army behind Peter Shilton’s goal in the Neckarstadion in Stuttgart in June, 1988 when my Irish Daily Star columnist colleague Ray Houghton headed the ball into the English net. Ireland’s first ever appearance at a major tournament celebrated by a win over the auld enemy in the opening game.  ‘Razor’ repeated the feat against Italy in Ireland’s opening match of the 1994 World Cup finals in Giants Stadium. By now, I was amongst the press corps so a degree of decorum was called for – but not too much – when the final whistle sounded.

As in politics, all football is local so when my home town club Drogheda United won its first ever FAI Cup crown in 2005 and then a first league championship two years later, being present each time  meant everything to me.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Should it be Diego Maradona’s wonderful solo goal against England (no, not that one) in the 1986 World Cup finals? Maybe Marco van Basten’s volleyed goal for the Netherlands in the Euro 88 final? Or Don Givens’ hat-trick for Ireland against the USSR at a heaving Dalymount Park in a Euro ‘76 qualifier in 1974 (I know, that’s three but they had an inspirational effect on an 11-year-old listening to the late Philip Greene’s commentary on RTE Radio)?

Best stadium?
Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion lives up to its awesome reputation with its four towering stands – that creep almost up to the side of the pitch – rising into the heavens and must make the vast arena really intimidating to any visiting player of a nervous disposition.  PSV’s industrial sized electric heaters on the underside of the roof make the Phillips Stadium the finest on the globe on a freezing Dutch night.

…and the worst?
Tirana’s Qemal Stafa stands out for its filthy and smelly state but it’s only right to point out that in 1993 Albania was just emerging from its laugh-a-minute decades of life under Enver Hoxha’s particularly punishing brand of Communism. Cleanliness of sports’ arenas probably wasn’t too high on anybody’s agenda.

Your personal new-tech disaster?
The advent of WIFI and broadband have improved our lot on the road and relieved the pressure to a large degree. But when these two modes of connection and your fall back GPS system decide to collectively mount an imaginary picket on your laptop then you’re in trouble as happened in November, 2011 when Ireland had beaten Estonia 4-0 in Tallinn in their first leg of the Euro 2012 play-off.

With a tight deadline and Giovanni Trapattoni’s post-match press conference running late, the perfect storm was starting to rage. But as always happens on such occasions, a colleague rides to the rescue with Neil O’Riordan of The Irish Sun the knight in shining armour with a working WIFI link.

Biggest mistake?
In my early days, sitting on a story to secure complete proof it was true instead of trusting my instinct and running with it. It happened a few times.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Robert Redford, Pierce Brosnan………Actually, snooker wizard Steve Davis.

Most media friendly manager?
Jack Charlton could have his spats with hacks covering the Ireland team, could be coy enough on the record about team and injury news but he was amazingly frank and open with journalists off the record over a pint or cup of tea.  Big Jack trusted you not to break his confidence when he revealed key information on players and tactics and you respected that when you wrote about the team.

Best ever player?
Lionel Messi gets the vote because his consistency of performance despite the defensive strategies in today’s game, the fitness levels of opponents and his refusal to be cowed by thuggish treatment at the hands of some players. And that’s before we consider his goals, passing, dribbling, work-rate…

Best ever teams (club and international)?
The current Spain team whose three consecutive tournament wins between 2008 and 2012 will probably never be equalled. Brazil (1970, 1982 and 2002), Netherlands (1974), France (1982, 1986 and 1998-2000) and Argentina (1978) weren’t bad either. Barcelona of recent seasons are hard to beat but Liverpool of the late seventies and early eighties, Ajax of the early 1970’s, Celtic in 1967 and Juventus of the seventies go close.

Best pre-match grub?
Ireland sponsors 3 serve up a very tasty and welcome meal at Dublin’s Dylan Hotel prior to home international games at the Aviva Stadium.

Best meal had on your travels?
During France 98, colleagues Peter Byrne, George Hamilton and Billy George directed Philip Quinn and I to a fine restaurant Le Petit Canard in Paris that lived up to their Irish patrons’ recommendations.

…and the worst?
The long suffering citizens of the states behind the Iron Curtain had, not surprisingly, little interest or the financial ability to serve up top nosh n the early 1990’s following independence from the USSR so Mars bars and bottles of Coke featured highly on more than a few journos’ menus during those days.

Best hotel stayed in?
Due to a mix-up by a travel agent – who had failed to book the hotel designated – I had to be upgraded on arrival at Euro 2008 in Zurich to the Alden Hotel. For a few days, football never felt so good.

…and the worst?
The one in Skopje, Macedonia in 1997 when Mick McCarthy’s 3-5-2 formation made its last ever appearance, Jason McAteer was sent-off for his Bruce Lee kung-fu kick and Ireland lost 3-2 in a World Cup qualifier. The aging kip brought minimalism to extreme, not bothering with curtains in the room and serving coffee and bread but nothing else for breakfast. When I started travelling to cover international and club matches in the early 1990’s eastern Europe was still emerging from the yoke of Communism so the food in various establishments in Bucharest, Sofia and Vilnius was fairly hideous. But as with Skopje, we were probably getting superior grub than most of the locals could afford.

Favourite football writer?
Love the rhythm of the words of Hugh McIlvanney, Patrick Collins, Peter Byrne, James Lawton and the late Con Houlihan.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
The depth of verbal and online abuse of TV and radio commentators from some fans never ceases to amaze me. It’s a tough job when it’s done correctly and that’s the case in the overwhelming majority of cases in Ireland and Britain. George Hamilton, Martin Tyler, John Motson, Alan Green, Gabriel Egan and Greg Allen are all top class. There are very few who are not.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Relations between Irish clubs and the media are quite good.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
NBA play-off final.

Last book read?
‘Boomerang’ by Michael Lewis.

Favourite current TV programme?
‘Match of the Day’ must be the all-timer while ‘Father Ted’ and ‘Fawlty Towers’ almost deliver even if I know every line at this stage.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
The match tickets and programmes from various World Cup finals I have covered are the physical treasures but it’s the memories of goals, games, players and colleagues’ company that are cherished most.

Advice to anyone coming into the football media world?
Work hard, listen to older colleagues’ advice, never refuse a marking and never be afraid to ask a question no matter how hard it may be with some managers and players taking great delight in trying to belittle a new kid on the block.

THEY’RE IN BUT ROCKY FUTURE FOR GIBRALTAR UNLESS FACILITIES ARE UPGRADED

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By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

IT REMAINS to be seen how the Gibraltar Football Association handle a potential Euro 2016 qualifying tie against England at the Victoria Stadium (capacity 5,000) which is being upgraded. Yet there can be little doubt English-based football writers would love to add a new destination to their cv’s even if the GFA’s acceptance into the UEFA family caused a collective shaking of heads.

Their population of 30,000 puts them below San Marino though Gibraltar are, apparently, unbeaten in their last four internationals but it should be pointed out their opponents on the Rock were the Faroe Islands (then managed by former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr), England C (a semi-pro team), the Isle of Man and Jersey.

Gibraltar owe their elevation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport plus their persistence to fight what they saw a political injustice. The GFA, founded in 1895, saw their original application for becoming a member of FIFA posted by their president Andrew Perera in 1997 turned down.

Two years later, there was better news for the GFA as FIFA forwarded the their application to the appropriate continental confederation, UEFA, since according to FIFA statutes, it is the responsibility of confederations to grant membership status to applicants. In 2000, a joint-delegation of UEFA and FIFA conducted an inspection of the GFA’s facilities and infrastructure.

In 2001, UEFA changed their statutes so that only associations in a country “recognised by the United Nations as an independent State” could become members. On such grounds, UEFA denied the GFA’s application.

Yet current FIFA and UEFA members include several federations which cannot be said to represent independent nations, such as the UK Home Nations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), the Faroe Islands, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, Tahiti and New Caledonia. French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint Martin each have national teams which, despite not being FIFA members, are allowed to compete at the CONCACAF confederation level.

The GFA appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport which, in 2003, ruled that their application should be handled according to the old statute, pre-2001. However, UEFA continued to refuse accepting the GFA as members. In August 2006, the CAS ruled again that Gibraltar had to be allowed in as a full UEFA and FIFA member, and on December 8, 2006 it was announced that Gibraltar had become a provisional member of UEFA.

FIFA had announced two days earlier that their executive committee had “ruled that Gibraltar does not meet the statutory requirements to become a FIFA member,” despite the fact that the Court of Arbitration for Sport had already ruled to the contrary. On January 26, 2007 at the UEFA Congress in Düsseldorf, Gibraltar’s application to become a full member of UEFA was rejected, with 45 votes against, three in favour (England, Scotland and Wales) and four undecided.

The issue was again referred back to the CAS for a ruling. On March 21, 2012 the request for membership by Gibraltar was discussed and a road map which included financial and educational support from UEFA was agreed. Legally, there was no real basis for rejecting Gibraltar as UEFA’s 54th member.

Gareth Latin, president of the GFA, said: “This is a momentous occasion for football in Gibraltar. UEFA membership means that we can begin the next chapter of Gibraltarian football. At last we’ll be able to show the whole of Europe that we can match the best with football of a high standard and entertaining style. It will open up a whole new world of opportunities for our highly skilled young footballers.

“This is one of our greatest ever sporting moments and, of course, we’d like to thank everyone who helped with our bid and all those who voted for us. We couldn’t have made it without you.”

To avoid any sensitive political head-to-head UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed that Gibraltar would be kept apart from Spain in qualifying for Euro 2016. He said: “Gibraltar will not play qualifying matches with Spain – we also have this situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

The national stadium certainly needs the promised upgrade. A recent blog on Football Gibraltar said: “Having first hand experience of playing on the Victoria Stadium pitch, I feel that whilst it was a good idea at the time, and certainly an improvement on the previous old astroturf laid down, the fact is that Gibraltar is in an area capable of growing grass, and therefore the stadium should take advantage of this.

“The stadium itself isn’t in great shape and would need a good facelift if UEFA accept Gibraltar as a member. First I feel that actual permanent seating should be installed, instead of the current slabs of concrete used. Although it allows for sitting down or standing up during a game, it isn’t acceptable for a national stadium, and the lick of paint given to it last year has done little to improve it.

“Also, the general facilities of the stadium could do with a slight increase, notably the dressing rooms which are very basic.  There is also no proper place for cameras to film any action.  Finally, there should be some more protection from the elements for fans.  Being situated next to a runway notorious for strong cross winds, fans are continuously exposed to such conditions, and the roofing does not cover the entirety of the main stand, whilst the opposite stand has no protection whatsoever.”

FWA Interview: Graham Hunter

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BARCELONA PLAYERS SEE SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AS PART OF THEIR DUTY says award-winning football writer Graham Hunter

By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

IT WAS the proudest moment of Graham Hunter’s career as Glenn Moore, chairman of the Football Writers’ Association’s books committee, announced that his ‘Barca: The Making Of The Greatest Team In The World’ had been chosen as the football book of the year at the British Sports Book Awards 2013.

“I am shocked and delighted,” said Hunter whose book pipped Gullem Balague’s biography of Pep Guardiola for the prestigious prize. It is a sign of the times when two books about a Spanish club dominate the voting and Hunter said: “When Terry Venables went to Barcelona [in 1984] and led them to the European Cup final, losing to Steaua Bucharest on penalties, Spanish football was alien to British television.”

Sky Sports changed that perception with La Liga games shown each weekend along with the excellent Revista De La Liga magazine show where Hunter and Balague are regulars.

The awards night at Lord’s was somewhat different to Hunter’s introduction to the world of football writing in 1995 when the Daily Mail opened in Scotland. Hunter had applied for a job, but had heard nothing so decided to pay them a visit to ask why, which did not go down too well.

Hunter said: “I told them my cv was sent three weeks ago and couldn’t believe no one had answered my letter. I wanted to know what was going on.”

What was soon to be going on was the sports editor helping the young upstart to vacate the building.

“They were literally, and I mean literally, holding me by the back of the collar – well, it was sports editor Bryan Cooney – throwing me out of the door when someone came running in and shouted ‘There’s a press conference at Parkhead. It’s a new signing, we don’t know who it is.’”

It was a sliding doors moment because as luck would have it, the Mail were thin on available reporters. One had been sent to Pittodrie to doorstep Willie Miller who had been sacked by Aberdeen, others were elsewhere. In the pre-mobile phone era it was impossible to contact anyone so they stopped throwing Hunter out and instead told him to get along to Celtic.

“It was Pierre van Hooijdonk,” he said. “When I arrived at Parkhead there were two camps in the press room. A growling set of Scottish reporters who were asking ‘who’s this new kid?’ and some Dutch journalists.”

No prizes for guessing who Hunter decided to sit with. “I explained it was my first day and asked where van Hooijdonk was as he was late. They told me this was because he was playing cards with his NAC Breda team-mates until 3am to say goodbye. He had missed his flight and Celtic were pretending there was fog at Schipol Airport, which was why he had been delayed.”

Hunter thanked the Dutch contingent for the background which was not known to the growlers. One Dutch journalist asked him if he was Scottish and when Hunter confirmed yes, he was, he was asked if he could take them to a kilt shop – they wanted van Hooijdonk to wear a kilt for a photo. In return the Dutch pack gave the Scottish rookie chapter and verse on the late van Hooijdonk and to Hunter’s delight at the press conference no Scottish reporter asked why the striker was three hours late. Result.

Returning to the Mail offices with a scoop, Hunter was given a warmer reception than his initial arrival. The editor decided it was the back page lead and those who had tried to throw Hunter out were delighted with his exclusive.

So delighted that he was offered a job – as a rugby reporter. “I did this for about nine months before going over to football,” said Hunter who eventually moved down to London when Cooney became sports editor. Cooney’s approach to the job was effective if not popular with everyone and Hunter’s appointment as football correspondent raised eyebrows to new levels.

Hunter has never shirked a challenge and immersed himself into his new post. “I loved reporting on England, Manchester United, Arsenal and the top clubs…the press pack, in the majority, became people who inspired me.”

He was particularly grateful for the help of Brian Woolnough, who died last year, Steven Howard, and Nigel Clarke “who either saw someone who was young and lost or someone they liked….they took me under their wing.” Football writers never forget those who have helped them and when Hunter was injured on a trip to Luxembourg he remembers how Oliver Holt, Lee Clayton and Paul McCarthy “were brilliant.”

He said: “Our industry is full of remarkable, interesting people and I found working in London a deeply enriching part of my life. I miss the English press scene and adored what I was doing.”

In 2002 Hunter decided to realise an ambition that had started 20 years previously at the 1982 World Cup. “I promised myself I’d go back to Spain,” he said. “The moment I crossed the border from France to Spain I knew it was for me. I’d grown up adoring Spanish football even though finding out information or seeing clips in those days was difficult.

“The idea of going to the city of the club where Steve Archibald [who played for Aberdeen where Hunter was born] played and where Terry Venables had managed made me choose Barcelona.”

The bad news was that Hunter had no job to go to and couldn’t speak a word of Spanish while Louis van Gaal, not the most media friendly of coaches, had just been reappointed. In 2002/03 Barca ended the season sixth, their lowest finish in La Liga in 15 years. For the benefit of anoraks, the starting XI was: Bonano – Gabri, de Boer, Puyol, Sorin – Mendieta, Xavi, Cocu, Riquelme – Saviola, Kluivert.

Hunter said: “In the summer of 2003 Barcelona were close to not even being able to pay anyone’s wages. They were in the midst of a six-year run without a trophy.”

The appointments of Frank Rijkaard and a new president, Joan Laporta, saw a gradual change in Barca’s fortunes. The Dutch coach phased out the old guard and led the Catalan club to the title in 2005 and 2006. By then the team was: Valdes – Oleguer, Puyol, Marquez, van Bronckhorst – Edmilson, van Bommel, Deco – Larsson, Eto’o, Ronaldinho.

In 2008 Pep Guardiola succeeded Rijkaard, the remarkable Messi-inspired Barca side winning 14 trophies in four years, making him the most successful coach in the club’s history.

BY THEN Graham Hunter was fluent in Spanish while the rise and rise of what many observers call the best club team they have ever seen ensured plenty of work for the reporter whose career had started by almost being thrown out of the door.

Sir Winston Churchill said that if you have a job you love you will never do a day’s work in your life and Hunter is one of many football writers who fit that category, the bonus living in a city where the climate is superb while following a club where the working conditions for the media and the attitude towards the press are a million miles from those experienced in Britain.

Clubs here keep the media at arm’s length, dishing out bans for headlines that are not to their liking. Hunter believes the press should have been collectively stronger, standing up to such over-zealous authority that at times has bordered on bullying.

“It should make us embarrassed,” said Hunter. “For some reason, and it’s the fault of our profession, we aren’t unionised enough, we don’t complain enough. In Spain players are generally more eager to speak to the press, more accepting of their duties and see it as an integral part of their job.

“Occasionally they will be p****d off with us, occasionally they will say ‘no’, but generally they view us as people to be judged as we act, not as journalists who therefore must automatically be shunned. They don’t bring a Mastercard machine and say ‘that will be 20,000 euro.’ In my 11 years in Spain no one has ever asked me for money for an interview.

“They see it as part of their duties, it’s part of their culture because they have been educated that way. The clubs tell players they are selling their season tickets…they are promoting their sponsors…and because they have grown up speaking to the press the vast majority of players enjoy it. They respect us, even asking us our point of view.”

Up until the Eighties English-based football writers enjoyed a similar rapport with leading players and managers, but dealings with the press are far more sanitised now.

Two players gain an honourable mention from Hunter – Iker Casillas and Xavi. “Both are high achievers with an enormous amount to say. They are decent people, intelligent, interesting and funny.”

The appreciation of Hunter by his adopted home was shown by an invitation to join the players in the dressing-room after Spain won the 2010 World Cup and again following their Euro 2012 triumph – a scenario unthinkable from an English perspective.

“Their attitude was ‘you’ve put in the miles, you’ve slogged up and down the roads – come in.’ It is exactly the same as I did with England and it says everything about Spain, not me.”

THE IDEA for the book came from the publishers, BackPage Press who “twisted my arm almost to breaking point,” said Hunter. “The co-operation I was given was astonishing. Nobody said ‘no’ and nobody asked for copy approval.

“It was a pleasure to deal with the players and I thoroughly enjoyed telling the story.”

*Barca: The Making Of The Greatest Team In The World by Graham Hunter (BackPage Press, £12.99).

FWA Q&A: RAPHAEL HONIGSTEIN

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RAPHAEL HONIGSTEIN on being tipped by old ladies…problems with the Gents in Munich…and a cell in Istanbul

Have you ever worked in a profession other than football?
I used to write about music and fashion before. I met and interviewed a few cool people, but the overriding memory from those days is a 10-hour wait in a New York recording studio while Timbaland was having his hair cut. At school, I used to pack bags at Munich’s premier delicatessen store – Käfer. It was very badly paid, about 5DM an hour, but old ladies would sometimes tip nicely.

Most memorable match?
Tough one. 1999 in Barcelona and 2005 in Istanbul are hard to beat.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Patrik Andersson’s last-minute goal [for Bayern] against Hamburger SV in 2001. I’d happily watch it again and again for 90 minutes.

Best stadium?
I love San Siro. I went to see the Milan derby in 1996 in the stands and it was just an incredible experience.

…and the worst?
The old Olympic stadium in Munich was probably the worst venue for football, starting with the Gents.

Your personal new-tech disaster?
I’ve always been lucky to file somehow, but I had a few very close shaves. I recall running into a newsagent outside Upton Park and asking whether I could plug my laptop into their phone socket – the press room didn’t have one. And I once spent three hours at Moscow airport without an internet connection, begging the ladies at reception in vain to let me into one of the lounges. In the end, I was saved by an English-speaking sales assistant from a mobile shop who sold me a local sim card and set up tethering for me.

Biggest mistake?
Probably taking a bus full of  well-lubricated England fans from Geneva station to the stadium for a friendly against Argentina. They were singing the German bomber songs and similar ditties and I felt as if everyone was staring at me. One lad tried to start a conversation with. Desperate to keep my cover, I put on the strongest English accent I could muster – a weird Cockney-by way of-Mersey  concoction. He looked really confused and left me alone after that.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
I often get confused with Guillem Balague. I guess it’s the [occasional] beard.

Most media friendly manager?
I have to say Wenger. Always professional. Never dodges a question.

Best ever player?
Probably Messi. But when I grew up, watching Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in his pomp was an awe-inspiring experience.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
Sacchi’s Milan and 1972’s West Germany.

Best pre-match grub?
Chelsea is always a delight, Arsenal used to brilliant before they phased out fish & chips (a crime in my book).

Best meal had on your travels?
Spatenhaus in Munich, San Carlo in Manchester,  Butchery and Wine in Warsaw, Txistu in Madrid and Reina in Istanbul  are all great, but best ever was Da Bolognese in Rome.

…and the worst?
A toss-up between something from a Portuguese service station at 4am and Sushi in Warsaw – food poisoning for three days.

Best hotel stayed in?
The Semiramis in Athens was pretty spectacular, even though “my stay” was a night on the floor of Gabriele Marcotti’s room.

…and the worst?
No idea of the name, but I once booked a room in Istanbul via expedia that turned out to be a windowless cell in a garage. They gave me the money back.

Favourite football writer?
Henry Winter, Sid Lowe, Barney Ronay and Paul Hayward are all brilliant in different ways. I also enjoy Daniel Taylor and Martin Samuel.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Martin Tyler. He’s also one of the nicest, most genuine people in the business.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Too many press officers in the PL are not aware that the players work for the clubs, not the other way round.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Honestly? Nothing else compares.

Last book read?
Absolute Beginners, Colin MacInnes.

Favourite current TV programme?
Mad Men. Best thing I’ve ever seen on television, apart from Captain Future (80s Japanese cartoon series)

Your most prized football memorabilia?
I have a mid-80s shirt worn by “cult hero” Reinhold Mathy in a European Cup game for Bayern.

Advice to anyone coming into the football media world?
Only do it if you really like football. Because the hours are long and the money’s not that great.

*Raphael Honigstein, a native of Bavaria, can re read in The Guardian and is a regular contributor to talkSPORT.