The FWA is pleased to announce that Andy Dunn is the new Chairman of the Association and Paul McCarthy has become Executive Secretary.
Andy takes over from Steve Bates, who served four years as Chairman with distinction. Paul Hetherington stands down as executive secretary after two years’ sterling service following the passing of Ken Montgomery.
Gerry Cox of Hayters on being mocked in public by Alec Stewart…a strangely attractive slag heap…and a truly Super Sunday
Monday May 7
Bank Holiday Monday so two things are guaranteed – it will rain and I will end up working on my day off. I have promised the kids we will have a family day out after spending the weekend working – Aston Villa v Spurs on Sunday and Arsenal v Norwich before that. My report in the Telegraph started as a thinkpiece on Van Persie’s future, after I interviewed him on the night he won his Footballer of the Year award, but ends up as a few pars of wire copy about Bacary Sagna’s broken leg.
Rain puts paid to the great active outdoors so look for alternatives. Younger son is fascinated by warfare and the history of human conflict, but decide against West Ham v Cardiff and take them to the Imperial War Museum instead. Two very moving exhibitions there – War Story is told by those brave boys serving in Afghanistan, and the Holocaust says it all. See the uniform worn by a friend’s mother when she was taken to Auschwitz at 15. She donated it last year shortly before she died. Both exhibitions bring home how lucky we are – and it is good that the kids appreciate this. Get updates from Upton Park among the calls and emails with work-related queries. Good to hear the Hammers have won, though feel for Malky Mackay, who was excellent when I interviewed him last month.
Stroll along the embankment before driving back through the city voted last week “the world’s best place to visit”. For all the cost and hassle of living in London, we are fortunate to have so much on our doorstep. Catch the last stages of Blackburn v Wigan, answer the last calls and emails of the day and start planning the week ahead.
Tuesday May 8
Up early to walk my boys to the tube and get the papers on the way back. Mirror leads on Abramovich offering Guardiola silly money to be manager, but my source close to the Russian has told me to ‘put my house’ on Mourinho going back there. I ignore him of course. Not a big fan of gambling since Hayters almost went under last year when a rogue employee stole over £100k to pay William Hill rather than pay VAT to HMRC. He’s on the run from the police now.
Walk my daughter to school and answer emails and texts on the way home. Japanese TV want us to interview Pat Rice about Financial Fair Play. I suggest this may not be his strong suit, and a look back over 44 years at Arsenal might be better. They agree. Quick trip to the gym to a) keep my knackered knee in some sort of shape, and b) work off two roast dinners from Sunday, one at Villa and one when I got home.
Then off to QPR’s training ground for an interview with Nedum Onuoha ahead of his first return to Manchester City. He talks intelligently and candidly about everything, including the Garry Cook affair. Desperately hope QPR can stay up – not only a local club, but their press office is friendly and helpful – a rare combination these days.
Quick dash to the office, to find a Chinook hovering over Tottenham, which feels more like a war zone every day. Then on to the Aviva Rugby awards in Park Lane to shoot a video for the sponsors. Players happy to stop and talk including Chris Robshaw, the new England captain and deserved Player of the Year. I haven’t covered rugby for 20-odd years, but Julian Bennetts, one of our bright young things, knows what he’s talking about and the sponsors are very happy. So am I. The fee for this job is the equivalent of covering 60 lower division matches for one of our leading national newspapers! Back around midnight to catch the highlights of Chelsea’s humiliation at Anfield and wonder if John Terry has played himself out of contention for England while Andy Carroll plays himself into the squad for Euro 2012.
Wednesday May 9
Just been told that our request for a second press pass at the Olympics has been approved so get my details into the accreditation office on deadline day. No idea what work we might do at the Games, as most desks have not even done their Euro 2012 planning. We have a meeting at Hayters to discuss how we will cover the tournament. There are likely to be four of us out there, and I will be in Donetsk for most of it. The official UEFA guide talks about the city’s ‘striking socialist statues’ and ‘strangely attractive slag heaps’ – and that is about it as far as sightseeing goes. I can’t wait.
Thursday May 10
The SJA have organised a lunch in the Old Cock in Fleet Street with Alec Stewart and the former England captain is forthright in his views on cricket – and Chelsea. Takes the chance to mock me publicly over Tottenham’s lack of Champions League participation and says beating Bayern and knocking out the 4th team would be a double whammy for Chelsea fans if it is Spurs. Take the chance to stroll down Fleet Street for old times’ sake and wander past the old Hayters office in Gough Square where it all started for me under the late, great Reg Hayter. Visit Dr Johnson’s office for first time, having missed out during all the years I worked next door. Starts pouring down with rain so I pull up a chair in his garrett and tap out a piece from the Alec Stewart lunch. Somehow fitting, though I doubt Samuel Johnson had the benefits a MacBook and wi-fi.
Then off to an evening with Gareth Southgate and Alan Smith in Victoria. I’ve known them for the best part of 20 years, since they were at Crystal Palace and they are both top blokes – even used to be shareholders in Hayters. Interesting to hear Gareth’s views about the choice of England manager and whether Terry and Ferdinand can both go to Euro 2012. Not sure I agree with him.
Friday May 11
A few calls and emails, as well as a preview of Chelsea v Blackburn for the Telegraph, then off to QPR’s training ground for Mark Hughes’ press conference. He is in remarkably relaxed mood considering the doomsday scenario QPR face if they go down. The club’s media team bring round tea and coffee before and after the press conference, and I wish them all the best on Sunday. Dash off to a meeting next to Queen’s Club in Baron’s Court with an Australian TV company who want to buy video content, and quickly agree a deal that should hopefully work out well for them and us.
Then back home in time for tea, while writing up my Sunday pieces from QPR.
Saturday May 12
One of those rare events – a Saturday with no work. Am at a loss what to do. At least I can spend a bit more time with the under-14 side I coach at the Brentham Club, where Peter Crouch played football, Mike Brearley learned his cricket and Fred Perry started on the road to tennis greatness. Trying to encourage kids to pass and move – and talk to each other – is not easy. Simple things take an age to sink in, but when it comes together – even for fleeting moments in games – it is enormously rewarding.
As 3pm approaches, I start to feel restless, knowing I should really be somewhere else. Decide to attack the garden, where the once lush lawn has been reduced to something resembling Derby’s Baseball Ground circa 1974 by my kids trying to perfect their slide tackle technique. Make a mental note to ask Wembley’s groundsman what is the secret to perfect turf.
Sunday May 13
Judgement Day, Super Sunday, the Day of Reckoning – call it what you may, this is clearly going to be a huge day in the Barclays Premier League. Pick up the Sunday Mirror to find my QPR preview has not made it in, but plenty of stuff from the other Hayters lads. First sunny Sunday for weeks so I am all for taking the kids out on the golf course that backs on to our garden, but persuaded to take them swimming. Feel like a fish out of water – and swim like one too. Realise I am distinctly under-tatooed, with some striking – and horrendous – body ‘art’ on show. And that’s just the women.
Then off to Stamford Bridge for a dead rubber,with Chelsea and Blackburn’s positions fixed already. Chelsea put out a second string except for those suspeneded from the Champions League final so the only way we will get a story is if someone gets injured, and you wouldn’t wish that on anyone. The pre-match food, however, is superb, easily the best in the country, with an exotic array of cold meats, fish and salads, followed by steak and kidney pie and a ridiculously rich choice of desserts.
Struggle to concentrate on the Chelsea game, especially as goals start to go in at White Hart Lane, West Bromwich and Stoke. By half-time, Man City are top, Spurs are third and Bolton are safe, but by the final whistle at Chelsea, everything has changed. Arsenal have nicked third spot, Bolton are relegated and City on their way to an unlikely defeat. But of course there are five minutes of ‘Fergie Time’ at Eastlands and the rest, as we know is utter Madchester madness. Chelsea follow their win with a lap of honour, and the press room looks like a bling-laden creche with all the wags and their kids waiting to join the players on the pitch. Roberto Di Matteo is hard work as we try to glean what the coming weeks might bring, Steve Kean is cocksure that his future is assured, and I more or less turn off the lights as the last one out of Stamford Bridge once again – with another season almost over. Just a week to go to discover the fate of Chelsea, Spurs, Drogba, Bale, Di Matteo and the rest – and then we head for another summer of probable discontent with England.
REMINDER
The annual general meeting of the FWA will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at noon in the The Swan, Bayswater Road, London.
NIGEL CLARKE on walking into the ladies locker room at Wimbledon…eating horse flesh…and sleeping by an open sewer
Your first ever job in journalism?
First job was for Dixon’s Agency the forerunner of Hayters. Messenger boy, tea maker, errand boy. Kept mouth shut and ears open
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
Never done a day’s work in any other profession or ever wanted to.
Most memorable match?
England 4, West Germany 2 1966 World Cup Final.
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
The above for sheer unmitigated tension, anxiety, emotion and, in the end, pride.
Best stadium?
The Olympic stadium in Rome.
…and the worst?
Crystal Palace.
Your personal new-tech disaster?
Snitching a 1,000-word interview with Franz Beckenabauer, who I knew, before the England v. West Germany semi-final in the 1990 World Cup. Then pressing the wrong button, losing the lot, and then, missing the coach back to hotel where I could have phoned it through on copy. Missed edition, office not happy.
Biggest mistake?
Walking into the ladies locker room at Wimbledon assisting an injured player who had turned her ankle, to be confronted with about ten naked tennis players, who stood their ground. Averted eyes and exited left very quickly.
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Geoff Hurst. But then I write like him too.
Most media friendly manager?
Malcolm Allison. Different class.
Best ever player?
George Best.
Best ever teams (club and international)?
Chelsea side that did so well under Mourinho. Brazil 1970.
Best pre-match grub?
Arsenal in the old days.
Best meal had on your travels?
A pint of whisky sour and a burger in Palm Springs.
…and the worst?
Horse flesh and stale cabbage in Moldova.
Best hotel stayed in?
Plaza New York.
…and the worst?
A dump in Albania with an open sewer running through the back of the bathroom. Toilet was brown and blocked.
Favourite football writer?
Ian Ladyman.
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Brian Moore.
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
More contact between players and press. Like it used to be without any media officers snooping around.
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
A re-visit to that ladies locker room at Wimbledon…knowing what I know now.
Last book read?
A history of the Cuckmere Valley, the East Sussex beauty spot in the Seven Sisters Park.
Favourite current TV programme?
Countryfile.
Your most prized football memorabilia?
The badge of Bobby Moore’s spare England shirt. He gave to me when my daughter was born.
Advice to anyone coming into the football media world?
Eyes open, ears open, mouth shut. Look learn, and listen, and, never, even give up. The job is the most joyous thing in life.
Nigel Clarke has covered football and tennis for the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express.
STEVE BATES, the outgoing chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, on gaining brownie points with The Boss…dinner with Robin van Persie…and breakfast with superfit Sven
SUNDAY April 29
Weather shocking so usual Sunday morning tennis four ball is off. Take a glimpse at Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement to see if there is any reaction from the chaps to my story that Harry Redknapp fears he has been passed over for the England job with Roy Hodgson about to get a call from the FA. Always a bit nervy when you go out on a limb with a tale and you can end up red faced, but after making phone calls galore to contacts I have a good feeling this is right. Read the papers then watch Chelsea destroy QPR. And mid-afternoon leave home in Manchester to drive up to Cumbria for over-night stay with friends in the farming community of Kings Meaburn. During dinner get a missed call from a contact who had helped with the Redknapp tale. Immediate thought is the FA have called it on with Harry. Before I get a chance to call back, my People colleague Dave Kidd rings to break the news that Hodgson has been approached by the FA and offers his congratulations. As any journo will tell you, there is no moment to match the joy when you get a big one right and the news makes my day. Minutes later talkSPORT ring asking if they could patch me straight through to Des Kelly hosting the Press Pass programme. My hosts at the dinner table look bemused at this sudden activity on a Sunday evening but that’s the beauty of our profession. News is unpredictable and stories often break when you least expect them. After a few glasses of red wine I go to bed a happy man.
MONDAY April 30
Set off from Kings Meaburn heading for Scotland. I’ve taken a couple of days off for a break at the St Andrews Old Course Hotel to celebrate my wedding anniversary and reclaim some brownie points after a long old season and my impending exile at Euro 2012. Haven’t brought the golf clubs although would have loved to – but I’m not that brave. Never stayed at the hotel or visited St Andrews before but it’s a fabulous place with a world class spa so my stock is high with The Boss. Bump into Colin Mongomerie, literally, as we enter reception and when I see the 17th hole right outside the back of the hotel am seriously wishing I’d packed the clubs. Booked this jaunt before Manchester United decided on their break at the hotel a few weeks ago but I understand why they came. Hotel has lots of class – and even more Japanese golfers. A fixture switch means the Manchester derby is rescheduled for tonight and I sense City will win. Go down for dinner in the hotel and sit next to a group of Jap golfers who are all smartly dressed bar one who is wearing a United shirt. An omen? No. Watch the second-half after dinner and see City take a giant step to the title.
TUESDAY May 1
An hour in the gym, a read of the Scottish papers which major on Rangers’ ongoing plight then breakfast before heading out for a two-hour walk along the beach at St Andrews. With the Footballer of the Year dinner fast approaching on Thursday I know the phone won’t stay silent for long even though everything is in place and Robin van Persie is looking forward to being crowned double footballer of the year after his PFA award. Sure enough there are e-mails and messages stacking up when I turn on the mobile. One is from Paul Stretford, Wayne Rooney’s agent. Wayne is hot favourite to win the best goal of the 20 seasons of the Premier League – an award that is to be made at our dinner. I’ve been liaising with Paul and the Premier League over arrangements should Wayne win. It would be great to get him to the dinner to collect his award in person for his stunning overhead kick against Manchester City last season but there are plenty of obstacles to overcome. Spend the rest of the day looking round St Andrews and chilling in the hotel spa.
WEDNESDAY May 2
Another stint in the gym before breakfast, then pack up and check out for the five-hour drive back to Manchester. As I’m leaving take calls from Arsenal’s press office and Robin van Persie’s management team regarding arrangements for Thursday’s Footballer of the Year presentation to the Arsenal striker. A succession of calls about the dinner follow, one of them from the Premier League to say Rooney has won their iconic goal award. Relay the news to Paul Stretford but filming commitments with sponsors Nike means Wayne won’t be at our dinner. Would have been great to have had him in person in London, instead he’ll record a message to be shown tomorrow night. Home at tea-time and take my dad for a pint in his local as it’s his birthday. Later, watch Spurs pick up a big win at The Reebok against a Bolton side looking increasingly doomed. Start to write my final speech as Football Writers’ Association chairman.
THURSDAY May 3
Pack my bags and on the road again for another four days. First of all drive to Carrington for Sir Alex Ferguson 9.30am press conference. The United manager seems a little subdued after losing to City and clearly knows his stars are relying now on a major helping hand from Newcastle on Sunday. But, as usual, lightens up a little when the cameras are turned off and he’s speaking to a smaller group of Sunday journalists for our private briefing. Quickly out of Carrington and head for Stockport Station to catch train to London to prepare for the dinner tonight. Matt Dickinson from The Times rings to tell me Fabrice Muamba is on his table tonight. Great news – we will make a fuss of him (Muamba not Dicko). Take calls from Arsenal and the Premier League but all okay. Ring van Persie’s agent, Darren Dein, to make a final check everything is fine with our Footballer of the Year. Thankfully, it is. Amidst all of this talk to my office to run through Sir Alex Ferguson quotes from his press conference and topics for Chris Waddle, our columnist at The People whose column I ghost write. In these weeks, as FWA chairman, you need an understanding office. Fortunately, my editor at The People Lloyd Embley and sports editor James Brown have been top class throughout. Van Persie arrives bang on time for our dinner, Muamba’s appearance brings the house down and so does van Persie’s speech later in the evening. But not too late as Wenger wants him gone by 9.30-ish which he is. Sit with Robin at dinner and he’s engaging company. A top guy. It’s a huge event to organize so delighted when the super-positive feedback starts immediately tumbling in. After four years as chairman I celebrate my last dinner in charge with a few glasses of champagne.
FRIDAY May 4
The morning after the night before – and I feel dreadful. Intended to bale out about 1am but it’s 4am by the time I get back to my room and I’m not the last by a long way. Plenty of texts, e-mails and tweets about the dinner being a great success. Everyone happy except our chairman-elect Andy Dunn who swears at me more than once and asks: “How do I follow that?” Joking aside, I am sure he will as our functions seem to set new standards each time. My sports desk are still looking for stories despite having a great live day on Saturday with the FA Cup final so after writing Chris Waddle’s column hit the phones. A quiet night is the order of the day.
SATURDAY May 5
FA Cup final day was a magical occasion when I was a kid and I used to be up early to watch the players at their team hotels in the hours leading up to their journey to the stadium. Somehow it’s not the same these days but it’s still a big game to cover. Before heading to Wembley I have to go to The Emirates to present Robin van Persie with his Footballer of the Year award for the second time in less than 48 hours, before the game against Norwich. Former Arsenal star Paul Davis is there to present RVP’s PFA award too and we both go on the pitch as Robin finishes his pre-match warm-up routine. Then it’s straight off to Wembley before Arsenal kick-off. Chelsea and Liverpool restore some of the missing sparkle to the Cup in a cracking game, but the tea-time kick off means deadlines are tight for Sunday papers like mine so we have to do a running report with 500 words at half time 250 at 75 minutes and an intro on the whistle. Then it’s into a a quick-as-you-can re-write to polish things up which is a good thing for this final as it was a classic game of two halves.
SUNDAY May 6th
Finally heading back home to Manchester after a hectic few days but there’s one final surprise as I sit at breakfast with Paul Hetherington the FWA’s executive secretary. Over to our table comes Sven-Goran Eriksson to say hello and have a chat. He’s been at the Cup final and is spending a few days in London. Looks relaxed and fit – not surprising as he has a jog in the park before AND after breakfast.
JAMES MOSSOP on eating peacocks’ tongues…bog snorkelling…and a slight involvement in the Watergate scandal
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
For three months after Barrow Grammar School and before joining the North West Evening Mail I was a labourer working shifts close to the furnaces at the steelworks. Tough is not the word.
What was your finest achievement playing football?
Must confesss to an absence of glory with Holker Old Boys. Signed amateur forms for Barrow AFC (mainly because I was the young travelling reporter with the Reserves and they feared trialists might not turn up) but never got a game.
Most memorable match covered?
Phew! So many, but cannot top England-West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final. Man City clinching the old First Division, winning 4-3 at Newcastle on May 11, 1968, will never be forgotten.
The one moment in football you would put on DVD?
Peter Osgood riding tackles and racing from halfway at Turf Moor in the 60s to set up a Chelsea away win. Or any one of a thousand George Best clips.
Best Stadium?
Maracana (Rio) had a profound affect but it is hard to split the many modern grounds—-Wembley, Emirates, Etihad, etc. Old Trafford retains its sense of theatre.
Worst?
Hate to batter Pompey when they are down but Fratton Park is a dump.
Your best ever scoop?
Nothing mind-blowing but World Cup star Roger Hunt telling me exclusively that he was quitting international football was big. Tony Waiters walking out on Blackpool in mid-season when he (and his club) was in his pomp. Willie Johnston sent home from 1978 World Cup on drugs charge. There were a few others but I was no Neil Ashton.
Your personal new-tech disaster?
On deadline, I was ridiculing the late Joe Melling phoning his copy over and telling him my Tandy was the infallible future. I pressed the send button with a triumphant gesture and my copy disappeared into space. Had to ad-lib report to copy-takers.
Biggest mistake?
Hard to quantify. Once personalised an attack on chairman Peter Swales after he sacked Peter Reid from Man City. Regret every word about his comb-over hair and built-up heels. Totally unnecessary and hurtful.
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Richard Nixon, frequently. An American on his golf buggy pulled up alongside me and said: “I thought I had seen the ghost of Richard Nixon.” Some of my old hack friends used to call me Millhouse (his middle name).
Most media friendly manager?
Most of my work was done before the blight of Press Officers. Pitching up at training grounds I was always welcomed by the likes of Allison, Mercer, Revie, Shankly, Charlton [Jack], Atkinson, Graham, Pleat and so on. I also had rows with them but always met them face-to-face for clear-the-air moments. I have a strong relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson but we once had a major fall out.
Best ever player?
Has to be George Best, although I have been lifted high by Pele, Law, Bobby Charlton, Maradona.
Best ever teams (club and international)?
Tough call. Could look back and nominate a few club sides – Manchester United 1968 etc. Spurs even further back, Arsenal a few years ago but last year’s European Champions, Barcelona, take the club prize. Internationally there has been nothing better than Brazil 1970.
Best pre-match grub?
Usually an interesting selection at Newcastle.
Best meal on travels?
The late Bobby Keetch once ordered peacocks’ tongues for me in Paris. At least he said that’s what they were. As a foodie I have always sought out starred/rosetted restaurants. Great steaks in Beunos Aires. Best restaurant in UK: L’Encume in Cartmel, Cumbria.
…and the worst?
Bulgogi and kimchi* in Seoul. I can taste and smell it now.
Best hotel stayed in?
For fun reasons, the Yacht Club, Disney, Florida with Joe Melling 28 nights during the 1994 World Cup where, they said, every night was New Year’s Eve.
…and the worst?
England played Albania in Tirana in 1989. The hotel would have struggled for a one-star rating.
Favourite football writer?
Henry Winter.
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Rob Hawthorne.
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Tricky, but weekly meet-the-players sessions after training might produce better relationships and understanding.
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Bog-snorkelling. After all I have covered World Cups, Olympic Games, golf majors, tennis, F1, boxing, horse-racing, Rugby (both codes), cricket and even the World Curling Championships.
Last book read?
A Book of Heroes by Simon Barnes. I love his bird books and The Horsey Life, too.
Favourite curren TV programme?
Toss up between Coronation Street and Scott and Bailey.
Your most prized football memorabilia?
I have an official 1978 World Cup football signed by Pele.
Advice to any would-be football writer?
Build relationships, have a sense of purpose, don’t strive too hard with the words, let them flow. Take the job seriously, but not yourself.
(*Made with: beef, carrot, garlic, green onion, ground black pepper, honey, hot pepper paste, kim, kimchi, lettuce, rice, roasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, ssamjang, sugar, water).
James Mossop now has his feet up after 50 years in Fleet Street with the Sunday Express and the Sunday Telegraph. He was made a life member of the Football Writers’ Association at the Footballer of the Year dinner on May 3.
Image courtesy of Action Images.
By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES
The suspicion is that Robin van Persie knows in his mind what he plans to do when he sits down with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis to talk about his new contract.
When van Persie was presented with the Footballer of the Year trophy at the Lancaster London on Thursday evening the Holland international gave little away about his future but made one thing clear. “I will always feel a Gunner,” he said.
Van Persie, 29. has a year to run on his existing deal and he must balance the drive to win another major honour – he has only one FA Cup winners’ medal to show for his eight years with Arsenal – and the deep affection he has for the club.
Receiving the award from Football Writers’ Association chairman Steve Bates, van Persie admitted the team’s success was more important than individual glory. He said: “Even this season I was not really thinking about winning a trophy for myself. I was just playing because I love it and for Arsenal to finish as high as possible in the league. It makes me very proud to be here. I have seen the list [of previous winners]. For me, I never really thought I would be sitting here winning this trophy.
‘When I found out I had actually won it, I was a bit surprised. It was like ‘What, me? Really?’ It makes me really proud to be part of that history.The writers know everything about the season because they have seen every single game, analysed ever goal, every move. They know everything about you. They are doing interviews with me and other players, they get a clear picture of who is the best player, which is why it means so much that these guys have voted for me.”
Van Persie talks to previous winners Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires regularly. He said: “When I last spoke to Robert we chatted about Arsenal and he said: ‘I still feel like a Gunner,’
“Arsenal are an unbelievable club. I am the player I am today because of them. I’ll set a date to see the boss and Ivan Gazidis. We haven’t set a date but we will be having a meeting about my future and lots of other things.”
Van Persie paid tribute to Arsenal scout Steve Rowley who spotted him playing for Feyenoord reserves against Ajax. “He told me I had showed something. Without him I wouldn’t be here today.
‘When I signed for Arsenal Mr Dein [former vice chairman David Dein] said ‘use this pen, it will bring you luck.’ It was the same pen that Dennis, Thierry and Patrick Vieira used when they signed.”
Van Persie is currently enjoying his most productive season to date, having scored 34 goals plus 14 assists, the injury problems that have hampered him in previous years behind him. “To play in every game in the hardest league is unbelievable. I have to thank the medical staff and manager because without them I would not have done this.”
When Wenger appointed van Persie as captain following Cesc Fabregas’s transfer to Barcelona the striker had mixed emotions. “Firstly I was sad because it meant Cesc had left the club. I spoke to some of the other players and they were behind me. I learned a lot from Patrick Vieira who was a natural leader and different class. He taught me a lot both on and off the pitch.”
Van Persie will join Holland’s squad later this month as they prepare for Euro 2012. Holland are among the favourites and van Persie could go head-to-head with new Arsenal signing Lukas Pololski who has averaged almost a goal every other game during his 95 appearances for Germany. “He’s played at the highest level for a long time and he’s a great signing,” said van Persie.
But Arsenal’s best signing this summer would be van Persie agreeing a new contract.
Image courtesy of Action Images.
Robin van Persie tonight accepted the 2012 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award at a gala dinner in London Lancaster Hotel.
The Holland striker, 28, topped the poll of journalists with a landslide victory ahead of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney in second place and his Old Trafford team-mate Paul Scholes third, with Fulham’s Clint Dempsey fourth.
Van Persie’s 35 goals in all competitions has helped propel the Gunners into the top four of the Barclays Premier League, leaving them on the brink of automatic Champions League qualification for next season.
Van Persie – who was also named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year – collected the prestigious FWA accolade, which has been running since 1948, this evening and admitted it was an unexpected honour.
“It makes me very proud to be here, I have seen the list [of previous winners], and for me, I never really thought I would be sitting here winning this trophy,” Van Persie said.
“But even this season I was not really thinking about winning a trophy for myself, I was just playing because I love it and for Arsenal to finish as high as possible in the league.
“When I found out I had actually won it, I was a bit surprised, and was like ‘what me? really?
“It makes me really proud to be part of that history.”
Van Persie, who has yet to agree a new, long-term deal with the Gunners, revealed being honoured by both his peers and journalists alike was a humbling experience.
The Dutchman added: “The writers know everything about the season because they have seen every single game, analysed ever goal, every move, they know everything about you.
“They are doing interviews with me and other players, they get a clear picture of who is the best player, which is why it means so much that these guys have voted for me.”
FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer at The People, paid tribute to the Gunners skipper.
He said: “Robin van Persie has had a quite magnificent season, excelling with consistent flashes of individual brilliance which have lit up the Barclays Premier League as well as bolstering Arsenal’s season.
“It is hard to think of another player in the Premier League this season who has had such a galvanising effect on the team than Van Persie.
“The quality of van Persie’s attacking play, both in terms of goals and movement, have often been breathtaking to watch and the landslide manner of his victory to win our prestigious award is an accurate reflection of his season.”
DARREN LEWIS of the Daily Mirror on an offensive Mark…root canal treatment…and getting shirty with Adebayor
MONDAY April 23
MY DAYS always start with a chat with the Mirror’s sports news editor Mike Allen. We talk through stories, ideas, potential issues and plan for that day’s paper. Today I am actually working on non-football stories with the focus on Chelsea’s rematch against Barcelona tomorrow night. We have three men there, Martin Lipton, Oliver Holt and John Cross.
So I am told to focus on the snooker where Irishman Mark Allen stands by his unwise decision to brand qualifier Cao Yupeng a ‘cheat’. Sadly the blast has come with Allen out of the competition. A shame really. On the one hand, he is a talented player and always great copy. On the other, his remarks at the Beijing Open crossed the line into offensive territory. He’ll be back however.
TUESDAY April 24
A FASCINATING day which started out as a brief from the office to cover the draw for the Olympic football tournament at Wembley. It ended with not one but two good stories.
The first surrounding England, with senior FA figures at Wembley for the draw adamant that they would be able to announce a new manager before the end of the season. Given that they have always maintained that they did not want to materially disrupt the season of any club this news was quite a departure.
A couple of phone calls reveal that neither Harry Redknapp at Spurs nor the club themselves have been officially or unofficially approached by the FA over the England job. Yet the FA clearly have something up their sleeves to be this bullish. If it is to be Harry we will find out later this week.
The other story surrounded Stuart Pearce, who is in charge of the Olympic Football Team. In a media briefing for the daily newspapers after the draw, Pearce revealed that the Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is on his shortlist for the competition – even though he has been out for pretty much the entire season. Told Arsene Wenger is against Wilshere taking part, Pearce maintained that as Olympic coach he would have the final say. It will be interesting to see what happens when Wilshere is fit.
Pearce also stuns us by telling us that he will pick an England squad for Euro 2012 if an England manager is not appointed by then. Correctly interpreting the looks of sheer disbelief on many faces, the FA clarify later in the day that Pearce would only pick the squad if he were managing it at the Euros and that they remain convinced they will get their man before.
Not one journalist I speak to today is convinced it will not all end in tears. As for the Olympic draw, Great Britain were paired with Uruguay, Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. There are some good matches in prospect.
WEDNESDAY April 25
COLUMN day today and time for my weekly search for issues to discuss. I always smile when fans bombard Twitter accusing me of being biased in favour of Tottenham because of my articles on the Mirror football website. When I explain to them that Spurs are the club I write about because they are the club I have been designated, it seems not to register. So I don’t bother anymore. Its all good fun anyway.
This week I choose to focus on Luka Modric who has been a shadow of the player that Chelsea fought so furiously over last summer. I believe Spurs should cash in this summer but the word seems to be that, with a long contract, it may yet again be harder than the Croatian thinks to get away this time around.
THURSDAY April 26
SEVERAL of my colleagues are taking a well-earned day off after their superb efforts at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night but there are a string of stories to get stuck into today.
The fall-out continues today with whispers that Pep Guardiola is meeting with Barcelona supremo Sandro Rosell over his future. As the day wears on it is becoming increasingly clear that he is set to step down. The story has obvious relevance for us in England as Guardiola is known to be the man Roman Abramovich wants – despite the heroics of Roberto Di Matteo – to bring fantasy football to Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere details are emerging of an interview the Spurs defender Vedran Corluka – on loan at German club Bayer Leverkusen – has given. In it, he is fiercely critical of Harry Redknapp and insists the Tottenham manager has not rotated his players enough this season.
Suspended John Terry is given clearance by UEFA to join in Chelsea’s celebrations should the Blues win the Champions League final. The backlash is instant on Twitter, however, with fans, journalists and pundits unanimous in their belief that, after nearly costing his side a place in Munich, Terry should do the decent thing and leave it to Frank Lampard.
The story dominates social media and radio phone-ins this afternoon.
Elsewhere the International Players Union (FIFPro) launch an audacious bid to persuade UEFA to scrap the yellow cards that will rule three Chelsea and three Bayern Munich out of the Champions League final. FIFPro point out that in another of UEFA’s competitions – Euro 2012 – yellow cards are wiped out after the quarter-finals, meaning a caution in the semi-final wouldn’t instantly rule players out of the Final. UEFA reject the request but say they will consider it for the future. It surely is a matter of time before the apply it to the Champions League.
Midway through the afternoon I go to the dentist for my first session of root canal. Because my colleagues in London are off duty, however, I need to continue working afterwards.
The subsequent conversations with the news editor are comedy, consisting of him talking and me grunting until the anaesthetic wears off.
FRIDAY April 27
HARRY REDKNAPP’S press conference is a tetchy affair.
Confirmation is coming out of Spain that Pep Guardiola has indeed stepped down as Barca coach.
But as I am covering Tottenham’s bid to bounce back from their nightmare Barclays Premier League run on Sunday, my focus is on the club’s pre-match gathering at their Chigwell HQ.
The normally jovial Spurs manager comes out fighting against claims from one of his own players that his lack of rotation may have cost the club a Champions League place.
Vedran Corluka, on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, twists the knife by insisting Tottenham’s season will have been a failure if the club do not finish in the top four. Redknapp cites the examples, however, of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Leo Messi as players who don’t need – or want – resting.
He also snaps at a question I ask about fans questioning his tactics. As the questions from other reporters continue you can cut the atmosphere with a knife. Later in the press conference he mellows somewhat as the attention turns to other subjects. But the pressure of the England situation, Tottenham’s poor form and Corluka’s criticism starts to tell.
SATURDAY April 28
I AM one of two staff men deployed to a Championship club today. Mike Walters is at Southampton, who will be promoted to the Barclays Premier League if they beat relegated Coventry at home.
I am at West Ham, who will go up in the Saints’ place if the south coast side fail to win and the Hammers win by three or more goals.
The possibility lasts just 16 minutes, however, as that is all it takes for Southampton to score the first of four goals to go up. The post-match interviews are all about the play-off semi-final which will now be against Cardiff on Thursday May 3 and Bank Holiday Monday May 7. Hammers midfielder Mark Noble is upbeat but manager Sam Allardyce is completely the opposite, insisting he is dreading the tension of the play-offs.
We can’t wait. Maybe it will stop raining by then.
SUNDAY April 29
A busy finish to the week begins with an early morning trip to the Sky News studios to talk through the previous day’s football.
Goal of the day has to be Luis Suarez’s 45-yard effort for Liverpool to crown his superb hat-trick against Norwich.
Result of the day, however, has to be Wigan’s 4-0 demolition of Newcastle.
There is better to come, however, as Chelsea thrash QPR 6-1 to render the Anton Ferdinand/John Terry affair a sideshow.
I catch the first half at home before travelling a couple of miles down the road for my second game of the weekend, Tottenham’s must-win affair at home to Blackburn.
White Hart Lane is tense with the knowledge that anything other than the three points will surely leave them with too much to do in their bid to finish in the top four.
Spurs are at it from the start and their pressure is rewarded with the opening goal from Rafael van der Vaart. But the bench is nervous as Aaron Lennon misses from point blank range, Sandro and Gallas hit the bar and other chances fall by the wayside.
The press box at White Hart Lane is situated directly behind both benches meaning reporters hear far more of the exchanges between managers, players, referees and coaches than at every other Barclays Premier League ground. There is amusement in the press box as Spurs misfielder Giovani Dos Santos is told to warm up after Lennon goes down injured. But when Dos Santos is told by his manager to get stripped to come on he takes an age.
Redknapp shouts: “Come on Gio we need you.” The Spurs boss’s expression tells us all a lot about why Dos Santos does not play more regularly than he does for Tottenham.
Kyle Walker’s screamer seals the points and eases the tension at White Hart Lane. Blackburn are awful but even bad teams can fluke a share of the points against better organised ones.
As the game approaches the 75-minute mark my colleague, Mike Walters, points out that Rovers have not had a single shot on target all game. We check through our notes on the match action. It is true. And, for a Premier League club fighting relegation it is truly remarkable. Even more amazing is the news acquired by the daily reporters that Rovers defender Gael Givet actially swapped shirts with Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor at half time.
I include the incident in my match report while Mike, who is writing quotes pieces for the back page and the front of the Mirror’s Mania pullout, puts it to Blackburn boss Steve Kean.
He refuses to comment. Then comments. His answer, however, is unconvincing. His expression suggests he may be a bit more so when he next sees Givet. Mike also asks Harry Redknapp about his future. The Spurs boss, as he has always done, insists no-one [from the FA] has been in touch with him.
The reason why filters through soon afterwards as it emerges the FA intend to speak to the West Brom boss Roy Hodgson about the England vacancy. I finish and file my match report and make a check call to the desk (on handsfree) during the drive home.
The England story is now running the news and sports channels. A few phone calls establish the fact that Hodgson really is the only candidate and that the job is pretty much his to turn down.
Incredible given the fact that Redknapp had been the red-hot favourite for so long. The reaction to this will be fascinating tomorrow.
As one newsworthy week ends, another begins.
NEIL CUSTIS of The Sun on a dodgy leek…falling out of a shopping trolly…and being mistaken for Lee Westwood…
Your first ever newspaper?
It was called the Alnwick Advertiser in Northumberland. The circulation was 3,000 and falling and it’s now a pizza restaurant. I did everything from darts to country shows. I remember covering two country shows and 11 leek shows in one day. There was real controversy at one of the leek shows as someone was found out for using tippex on the base of his leek to smooth out a scratch. They left the leek out on the table with the word ‘disqualified’ next to it to shame the bloke.
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
Between finishing my A levels and going to Journalism College I worked in a BT call centre. I have to say it is singularly most mind-numbing experience of my life. People were only allowed to do four-hour shifts in a day for fear of their sanity. You had to ask these questions and the person had to say the exact words ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in reply. Even if they said ‘oh of course’ you had to ask the question again to get them to say the word ‘yes’. I am starting to twitch now just writing about it
What was your finest achievement playing football?
At Darlington Journalism College I captained our class B against class A in a five-a-side tournament. We led eight games to four in a first-to-nine but they pegged it back to eight-all. The tension was incredible going into the final game and both classes blanked each other in the build up. I was in goal and came up with a masterplan for the final to starve their star player of the ball. Others involved that day included Graeme Anderson (Sunderland Echo), Paul Robinson (former Editor of the Newcastle Chronicle) and Simon Oxley who worked for the BBC and Luton Town. It was some night afterwards round Darlington, I think I’ve still got the cup at home.
Most memorable match covered?
It would be easy to say Nou Camp ’99 but the match itself was awful even if the finish was unforgettable. The 4-3 Manchester derby when Michael Owen scored in stoppage time was undoubtedly the most dramatic and breathlessly exciting game I have ever been at. After that I will go for South Korea beating Italy with a golden goal in the World Cup in 2002. I was there covering Ireland but when they went out I stayed to report on South Korea’s progress to the semi-finals. It was an incredible time to be in such a football mad country.
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
The night Greece reached the Euro 2004 final. A crowd of about 30 of us descended on this bar in the old part of Lisbon as most of us were off home and more notably it was doubled up as Martin Lipton’s stag night. I would love a DVD of the last hour and then separate takes of people getting home. Myself and a colleague’s entrance into the Sheraton was particularly spectacular.
Best stadium? …and the worst?
Going up the steps the players would have walked up into the Maracana Stadium in Brazil was something special. We were there for the 2000 Club World Cup which caused such a furore because Manchester United pulled out the FA Cup. The other one which really took my breath away was Benfica’s old Stadium of Light in Lisbon. I was there on a Geordie boys golf holiday about 20 years ago and we just went to have a look around, truly immense. Unfortunately I have a black eye in the pictures as I had fallen out a shopping trolly the night before we flew out…long story.
The Daknamstadion home of Sporting Lokeren takes some beating for the worst. The press box was a double decker bus parked next to one corner flag. Rotherham’s old Millmoor Ground is pretty memorable too. I covered a game there for the Lincolnshire Echo and the press box was like an old burger van on stilts that you accessed via a ladder and my seat was a broken old bus seat
Your best ever scoop?
I had a really good run of stories on David Beckham in the lead up to him leaving Manchester United most notably when he was hit in the head with a boot – another man at the heart of the Sun was big behind that tale. I am also proud of revealing Alex Ferguson’s u-turn on his retirement when the club’s former chief executive sent a message to me to say it was ‘100 per cent not true’ – I went ahead with it and 48 hours later they announced it. I also had the Mark Hughes sacking at City and quite embrassingly Dave Bassett’s at Nottingham Forest, when unbeknown to me the first he heard of it was when my paper hit his doormat. I predicted Cristiano Ronaldo’s sale to Real and most recently I revealed Paul Scholes was coming out of retirement.
Your personal new-tech disaster?
It’s old tech really. I was faxing a comic strip from Viz called ‘Fruity Bun The Master Baker’ to someone in my office. It was absolutely double-up hilarious about a baker who would cook life-size gingerbread women then prop them up outside his bakers, drive round the block and then chat them up. Anyway I set the fax going but couldn’t find the piece when I came back, it had disappeared. Little did I know it had wrapped itself round the tube inside. So the next time I used it and sent a letter to a solicitor the phone call I had back was one of bemusement as this bloke with a double barreled name had received this comic strip interspersed with my letter.
Biggest mistake?
Undoubtedly when I thought I was talking to Kevin Francis from the Daily Star on the phone when in fact it was Kevin Francis a man mountain of a striker for Stockport County. It is fair to say their builds and lifestyle are contrasting so when Kevin told me the delay of two months in ringing me back was because he had been teaching kids football in the Caribbean you can imagine my response. ‘F*** off, you, you’re having a laugh aren’t you? How the hell can you teach kids football?’ This continued for some time before the penny finally dropped on my side. I don’t think we spoke again.
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
I was walking up the steps at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground with a cup of coffee when someone shouted at me ‘You should drink some ale Lee you’d hit the ball further.’ They thought I was Lee Westwood, who was a Forest fan. My grandma thought I looked like Stephen Hendry and before losing four stones recently my Manchester colleagues were giggling round a computer after calling up a picture of snooker player Stephen Lee and pointing at me.
Most media friendly manager?
I covered Norwich City for the Eastern Daily Press and Mike Walker was an absolute dream, you could not shut him up. Later when I worked in the Midlands John Gregory was fantastic copy and always very accommodating. More recently Sam Allardyce has always been brilliant with the press. Gordon Strachan was undoubtedly the rudest, although a decent enough bloke when you turned the tape recorder off.
Best ever player?
The best one I have seen is Roy Keane. People go on about Cantona but without Keane, United would not have won half of what they did. He was an immense presence, motivator and player. His performance for Ireland in the victory over Holland to qualify for the 2002 World Cup play-off against Iran was breathtaking.
Best ever teams (club and international)?
I will go on what I have witnessed live and the best club side was Manchester United’s from 1999 to 2001; they should really have won the Champions League three times on the spin. Internationally I was mesmerised the first time I saw Brazil play back in 1998 in the World Cup Finals.
Best pre-match grub?
My southern colleagues rave about Arsenal but for me Manchester City have taken things to another level. The food is fabulous, from the soup, to the carvery and then the ice creams. They even put out pick and mix, wine for afters and bring a pie to your work place at half-time if you can’t get down the press room. You can hardly walk when you leave there. They win the media hospitality award every year.
Best meal had on your travels?…and the worst?
The best and worst for different reasons was encapsulated in Oporto the night before a Manchester United CL game About 12 of us went to this restaurant that laid out an impressive spread of local dishes. We arrived late and in a rush I just told the waiter to give us a few bottles of the local wine, thinking that would be cheap. The waiter chose the local wine that was £100 a bottle and 10 bottles later the bill arrived and shortly afterwards some riot police…
Best hotel stayed in?…and the worst?
The best outside of work was The Nacional in Havana which is stuck in the 1930s and an incredible experience. With work it was The Westin just of Time Square in New York and the Shangri La in Singapore where myself and Matt Lawton calved up the grounds as we decided to extend the pitch and putt course into something more challenging. The worst came this season in Lisbon. Everywhere was booked up because of some medical conference and I ended up in a place which was described by one person on Trip Advisor as ‘a good place to commit suicide’. It was like that hotel Tom Hanks walks into towards the end of Saving Private Ryan. I was up two hours early on the last morning to go and sit in the airport.
Favourite football writer?
I think Steve Howard gets to the heart of things in my paper. Tim Rich is undoubtedly the most underrated writer out there, intelligent and funny. Dave Kidd’s column in the People is very good and always has something in it to make me laugh. But Martin Samuel is fantastic, his columns have the three big ingredients for me – they make you think, they tell you something you don’t know, and they make you laugh.
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
I don’t know who the people are but there is a radio station my 11-year-old son and I try to pick up when we are in the car called Oldham Community Radio. It’s not always easy to get as we live in South Manchester but when we do an excitement ripples through the car. It’s hilarious although I’m sure not intentionally. It’s like eavesdropping on an old folks’ coach trip to Blackpool. There are lines like ‘And don’t forget cream tea afternoon sponsored by Oldham Community Radio in Library from 3 til 5’…or a bloke will be presenting and his female sidekick will say something like ‘oohh not like days down old dance hall, I could still do a mean gay gordons, me’.
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
When I first started clubs were completely open to the press and as such the players became friends and a trust was built up. I still speak now to players who I met 20 years ago. The clubs argue that greater access will lead to more negative stories- in fact it would be quite the opposite, access is treasured by reporters. Clubs have created a ‘them and us’ environment. Everyone needs to relax and remember this is football.
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
My big love is golf. I have covered a few Opens but would dearly love to go to Augusta one day to experience the Masters. My favourite TV sporting memory is watching Jack Nicklaus win the 1986 Masters aged 46 and supposedly finished. I still watch the closing holes now on YouTube. Going back in time I would have loved to have been at the bottom of the hill in Innsbruck in 1976 when Franz Klammer won the most dramatic downhill gold ever.
Last book read?
It’s a courtroom drama by Michael Connolly called The Fifth Witness. Nothing I’ll ever to able to quote in an article or mention with my nose in the air over pre-dinner drinks I know, but I have always liked these tense, court drama books.
Favourite current TV programme?
Spooks is undoubtedly my favourite of all time, physically gripping. But right now it has to be Homeland. We are coming up to the final episode next Sunday. Although it was slightly off putting last Sunday when after watching the main character Brodie make final preparations to blow himself up with a suicide vest I switched over and saw him presenting Have I Got News For You. There was just that split second when you are still not back in reality where I thought Noooooooo!
Your most prized football memorabilia?
I have a lot of photographs up in my office of people I have met over my 18 years on The Sun. My favourite is one with Paolo Maldini from 1997 at Italy’s training ground in Florence. I was down there four days on the trot before Italy took on England in Rome in that final World Cup qualifier. He was captain, his dad was manager, there was big pressure and he had the whole of the Italian media to deal with. Yet he still had time to speak to me on more than one occasion in perfect English and help me out. Truly one of nicest, most accommodating people I have ever met in my job.
Advice to any would-be football writer?
Never think you have cracked it because the moment you do you make a mistake. I remember back on the Alnwick Advertiser when I was 20 I would drink with a 60-year-old veteran reporter from the Newcastle Journal called Ken. He told me one night ‘I’ve been doing this job for 40 years and what I don’t know about journalism you could fill a library with’. I always think of that whenever I wonder if there is anything else to learn.
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