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FWA Q&A: Matt Scott

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The Guardian’s Digger and self-confessed Gooner on Sammy, Crossie, Steve McMahon’s finger and being Paolo Rossi in his garden

Your first ever newspaper?
The Daily Star. I was sent there to be Howard Wheatcroft’s Gooner nemesis.

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
No: I came straight into it from university.

What was your finest achievement playing football?
You mean apart from only letting two goals in for Burnham Ramblers U-11s in the South-East Essex Cup final in the full-size goals at Chelmsford City (we won 3-2)? Well then, that has to be the second-minute Reducer I put on the Russian Press left-winger while representing England Press in Moscow. It is for others to judge whether it set the positive tone for our first half. But when I was taken off after 65 minutes we were only 2-1 down in a game we lost 7-2.

Most memorable match covered?
It has to be an Arsenal game, for obvious reasons. And it was probably Real Madrid 0 Arsenal 1 at the Bernabéu in February 2006. They went into the game 25 points off Chelsea’s lead and four points off Tottenham Hotspur in fourth place. And even when they had dominated the English game, that great Arsenal team had been extremely inconsistent in Europe. The expectations were very, very low as Arsenal took on a team who three seasons before had won the European Cup for the ninth time, but they absolutely dominated Madrid. I remember after the final whistle and exchanging conspiratorial my-God-did-that-really-just-happen glances with Crossie. It felt like something special, and it was – Arsenal were en route to a first ever European Cup final.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Sorry but it’s Arsenal again. I’d take those few minutes of that game at Anfield in 1989 between the moment when a snarling Steve McMahon goes around the Liverpool team cajoling them with his index finger and saying: “One minute left” to when Michael Thomas gives Grobelaar the nuts and Arsenal the title. The greatest dénouement of any season ever.

Best stadium?
Camp Nou with Celtic in it. I still have the tinnitus to show for the atmosphere.

…and the worst?
The much-lamented Layer Road, where I used to stand to watch Colchester United on a Friday night. Like so many football supporters in the 1980s I was unwittingly risking my life in a wooden stand among the crisp packets, polystyrene cups and discarded fag-ends beneath. God rest those poor souls at Bradford City.

Your best ever scoop?
My best-ever journalism was not a single story but the series of exclusives I did on the so-called billionaire Middle Eastern consortium at Notts County led by Russell King. I was on to this conman straight away and my work forced him and his cronies out of the club, preventing them from taking over BMW Sauber’s F1 franchise and from launching a dubious stockmarket float of a “mining company” that could have cost investors millions on the way. It was not the sort of stuff I expected to be uncovering when I set out in football reporting but it was thrilling to know I had achieved something meaningful. Even though it was a rocky road with a lot of the Notts fans at times.

Your personal new-tech disaster?
I like to think I’m New School enough to get the technology to work but I confess to having got annoyed when the Wifi and dongle connections have both dropped out shortly before the second-half runner is due over.

Biggest mistake?
Trusting someone who said he’d seen a famous unmarried sportsman booted out of the Wimbledon press box while canoodling with his latest squeeze. His tip became the basis of a 50-word diary-payoff item that the local bugle where he was from ripped off. He sued us for a few thousands. It was probably true but there were no pictures to demonstrate it, no way of tracking the stewards who ejected him and so I couldn’t prove it. I was young and impressionable.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Lots of people. Funny question.

Most media friendly manager?
In my experience, Mark McGhee at Millwall. He was always great in press conferences after matches and I later bumped into him in Brighton when he was managing there and in Edinburgh when he was at Motherwell. He was always an absolute gent.

Best ever player?
Lionel Messi. Already.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
I loved that 1982 Italy side and used to play at being Paolo Rossi in the garden. The Milan team that won the European Cup in 1989 and 1990 with Rijkaard, Gullit and Van Basten would have taken some beating in any era.

Best pre-match grub?
Oh dear. Arsenal.

Best meal had on your travels?
When we went to see Alisher Usmanov in Moscow at the Kempinsky he certainly lavished us with a meal I wouldn’t have got through on exes.

…and the worst?
Nothing that really sticks in the mind. Can’t say I’ve ever really experienced any upsets.

Best hotel stayed in?
The city-centre apartment-hotel in Vienna for Euro 2008. I was able to take my wife and my eldest, who was then one, while working out there. A rare treat to be travelling and not having to leave the family at home.

…and the worst?
The Soviet-era block in Minsk when I went there with Scotland. Not a place I’d return to in a hurry.

Favourite football writer?
Sammy. I don’t always agree with him (in fact I once found something he wrote downright offensive) but it’s always well researched and well argued.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Martin Tyler. Stood the test of time.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
I’d personally take a sledgehammer to all the fences around football-club training grounds and let us mingle with the players again. We, like them, are human beings.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Watching England at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test with my best man who’s emigrated out there.

Last book read?
Treasure Islands: Tax Havens and the Men who Stole the World by Nicholas Shaxson. Breathtaking.

Favourite current TV programme?
Boardwalk Empire.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
The t-shirt and jetsam from the streamer-machines from the last-ever match at Highbury. How could I possibly end with anything else?

My Week: Tony Incenzo

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How Queens Park Rangers have taken over his house, visiting 1,736 football grounds and attending his 986th consecutive QPR home game

Sunday December 11th
After a good Saturday night out socialising, it’s time to catch up on the weekend’s football action. I have recorded all the highlights and goals from the Barclays Premier League and Championship so I sit down to watch them. Contemporary football fans no doubt take this extensive television coverage for granted. But when I was a kid growing up in London, things were much simpler. We only saw two games on Match Of The Day on a Saturday night back then. Then on the Sunday afternoon, ITV’s The Big Match had a main London game plus two regional fixtures. And Wednesday night saw a cup tie (European competition, League Cup or FA Cup replay) screened by either BBC1’s Sportsnight With Coleman or ITV’s Midweek Sports Special. If you watched all that – which I did – then you knew everything about football for the week. It is all so different nowadays.

Monday December 12th
I am working on a history feature for the QPR club programme. It concerns a couple of fixtures from the great 1975/76 season where Rangers missed out on the League title by a point to Liverpool. So I dig out the scrapbooks that I kept at that time and read a number of match reports. I find 35 year old articles by the likes of Brian Madley in the Sunday People, Alex Montgomery in The Sun and Jeff Powell in the Daily Mail. When I was at school, other lads used to laugh at me because I diligently kept football scrapbooks. Now the cuttings are invaluable to me. I also have all but 10 QPR home programmes dating back to the Second World War, which I am constantly referring to as research tools. This football archive has taken over my house. Four of the spare bedrooms are stuffed full of memorabilia. I wonder how much a loft conversion will cost as I am desperately running out of space.

Tuesday December 13th
I put the finishing touches to a 5,100 word focus on Queens Park Rangers for the AirAsia in-flight magazine. This airline company are one of QPR’s new sponsors and so they want to introduce their passengers to the club. It is an interesting project for me as it is not aimed directly at football fans. So I have to write in a way that will hopefully interest a broad spectrum of people sitting on a plane. I outline the history of Rangers, the players’ pen pictures, reports on three of the club’s greatest matches, a focus on the Loftus Road stadium, plus interviews with Neil Warnock and Stan Bowles. Bowles is my favourite all-time player. I idolised him when I was a child. I find it amazing that I can now ring him up for a chat and he is always pleased to hear from me.

Wednesday December 14th
More programme articles today – this time for Watford FC. I compile a two page Diary Of A Groundhopper for all their home games. This focuses on my visits to football grounds around the country. Recent columns have varied from reviewing Brighton’s new stadium to attending a fixture in the London Airport Midweek League. I have watched matches at 1,736 football grounds to date so it is quite a passion of mine. The Groundhopper feature seems to be well received by Watford’s supporters and a couple of other clubs have already contacted me about including it in their programmes for next season.

Thursday December 15th
Today I am working on an article for FC Business Magazine about AFC Totton’s new stadium. This venue was showcased on ITV recently for a live FA Cup Second Round tie against Bristol Rovers. I interview Totton’s chairman to find out the benefit of their ground relocation and type up 1,500 words.

Friday December 16th.
I awake to see three inches of snow settling in my garden. My first thoughts are on how this will affect the forthcoming football fixtures. But I have to be prepared – come what may. So it is my stats day and I thoroughly immerse myself in the two matches I am scheduled to cover at the weekend. I plonk myself down in front of the computer and research goalscorers, appearances, past meetings, bookings, red cards, suspensions and quirky links between the teams involved. All this information is readily available on the internet of course. How did we ever survive before the world wide web? The only team news back in the old days was on Ceefax, Clubcall or in the papers.

Saturday December 17th.
I am booked to report on Swindon Town versus Morecambe for Sky TV’s Soccer Saturday programme. I set off for the West Country by train and arrive early so have time for a lovely pasta lunch in the hotel restaurant opposite the railway station. The match itself sees Swindon comfortably win 3-0 and their manager Paolo Di Canio gives an entertaining press conference afterwards.

Sunday December 18th.
I set off for Shepherd’s Bush with the trembling anticipation of a young child on Christmas Day. It is Queens Park Rangers versus Manchester United – probably the biggest game at Loftus Road for 15 years – and I am the touchline reporter for talkSPORT. But a Wayne Rooney goal in the opening minute dampens the home crowd’s excitement and United are worthy 2-0 winners at the end. This is the 986th consecutive QPR home game I have attended (League, cups, friendlies and testimonials) dating back to April 1973.

The Joys of the Long-Distance Football Writer

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Covering Carlisle United is a labour of love for Jon Colman

By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

AS THE big hitters of the football writing fraternity pondered over their 1,000 word reports on Barclays Premier League matches, Jon Colman was putting together his back page story and a 1,200-word inside spread on Carlisle United’s League One victory over Scunthorpe United for the News & Star.

Forget RVP’s almost inevitable goal for Arsenal, Martin O’Neill’s typically theatrical return with Sunderland or Harry Redknapp’s post-Stoke ref rant, Colman’s focus was on Francois Zoka whose stoppage time winner gave seventh-placed Carlisle a 2-1 win at Glanford Park, a 250-mile round trip.

Colman’s shortest journey is to Preston, 90 miles away. He usually arrives home as Match of the Day is starting but for Colman, it is a labour of love.

A Carlisle fan all his life, he has covered the club for the News & Star for six years and his feeling for the Cumbrians eases the burden of producing around 10,000 words a week and being on first name terms with the road-works on the M6 and M1.

Last February, when Carlisle were in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final, beating Brentford 1-0 at Wembley, it was “absolute madness…chaos” but an average
> week comprises Colman writing one or two back page pieces and “a substantial inside spread” on a daily basis.

He said: “Carlisle United drive the sports pages in our paper. We don’t have superstar big names but being a smaller club can work in my favour, though clubs at all levels have changed the way they operate and deal with the press. Two or three years ago players would happily chat away before training but the club have exerted more control over this and everything goes through the press officer. While I don’t get to know them in quite the same way now, there aren’t as many barriers between journalists and players or the manager for me. I don’t have to fight too many battles to speak to them.”

Colman enjoys a good relationship with manager Greg Abbott, essential for the local beat reporter. “He’s quite a character,” said Colman. “He can be absolutely brilliant value at times when he’s upbeat and flying. You’ll walk out the room with a notepad full of gems but if the team’s not doing so well, it can be a bit different. I’ve not had any major run-ins with him though he has gone down the all too familiar route of not being accessible on the phone as managers at this level used to be. Most weeks it’s just the pre and post-match press conferences.”

Isolated as Carlisle may be, Colman said it remains a football town and older FWA members will recall the club being top of the First Division for a spell in 1974. He said: “Those were the days. People are still very proud of that up here.”

Workington AFC are the traditional rivals of Carlisle but they are in the Blue Square Bet North so Preston or Hartlepool represent the nearest to any sort of derby, though hardly local.

Colman said: “We play Preston on Boxing Day for the first time in about 15 years and we’re looking forward to that.”

The travelling is accepted as part of covering Carlisle. “It’s only a grind if you get a lot of long trips all together,” said Colman who shares the driving duties with colleagues. “My paper allows me to stay overnight for some midweek and weekend games which helps. Not all local papers offer that facility.”

Brunton Park’s press box is basic “but we’re not too precious up here…we have wifi and as long as you can sit down and do the job, that’s fine.

“It’s not a job that’s going to make you rich, not at this level but I never get out of bed in the morning and think ‘bloody hell, I’ve got to go to work today.’ I’m generally pretty happy about turning up for work which is really a paid hobby. Sometimes it can be tough if the team’s lost a few games on the spin and people are reluctant to speak to you but against that we’ve had two trips to Wembley in the last two years.’

Carlisle lost 4-1 to Southampton in the 2010 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final but 12 months later were winners against Brentford “and there was a good story with the guy who scored the winning goal.”

The match-winner was Peter Murphy, Carlisle’s longest-serving player at the time. Murphy gave away a penalty in the previous final defeat a year earlier and two days before the victory over Brentford his partner Lisa had given birth to a son.

Colman said: “It was such a nice tale. Covering Carlisle at Wembley is up there with my best memories but it would be nice to have an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford or St James’ Park.”

My Week: Matt Dickinson

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We find out what The Times’ Matt Dickinson got up to during a week that took him to Spain and El Clasico.

Monday December 5
Monday morning. Column day. Some Mondays you wake up with a few scratchy thoughts and a dauntingly empty page to fill. Thankfully this is not one of them. Today Platini gets it, with both barrels. Load, aim, fire…

The decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar is far and away the most outrageous and illogical in my time covering sport. I remember visiting Doha before the vote and laughing out loud at the idea that a World Cup could come to this tiny Emirate where people die either of boredom or heatstroke.

For Michel Platini to have voted for Qatar will forever compromise him and he’s been blathering about it again. One of the easier columns I’ve had to write. And I suspect it won’t be the last time I return to that subject. Only 10 years of campaigning left….

In between writing that column, it’s a drive to Gerrard’s Cross to meet Chrissie Wellington, Britain’s four-time world champion at Ironman. Chrissie is a great interviewee; bright, robust with plenty to say, especially about the BBC SPOTY furore. Quite understandably, she is angry about the absence of a woman on the shortlist and even more so at the failure to have any women on the voting panel. It’s a huge cock-up by the BBC.

Tuesday December 6
Write up the Wellington piece, all 1700 words of it. Again, one of those articles that flows easily (I wish they were all like that) because there is a newsy issue and so many great quotes, from her
disdain for Gary Lineker over the SPOTY row to her explanation of how on earth you keep going for more than eight hours in an Ironman. And then there’s the stuff about how you make emergency toilet stops but you probably don’t need that here…

Head to Chelsea against Valencia in the Champions League. I’m at Stamford Bridge as the feature writer which means having to engage brain before kick-off about likely themes. Thankfully Didier Drogba, a walking melodrama, is in the mood, scoring twice, setting up another. It’s a great win for Chelsea though eyebrows are raised in the media room afterwards when Andre Villas-Boas says that the win is a “slap in the face” for his critics. Steady on, AVB.

Wednesday December 7
It’s a train to Manchester for City against Bayern Munich. It isn’t a bad game, and there’s a tale to be written because, for all the squillions spent by City’s Arab owners, they are heading out of the Champions League. But occasionally you know that you are not where the real action is taking place and the news that Basle have taken the lead against United confirms it.

City and United are dumped in the Europa League and suddenly we are all looking up when the final of that competition will be played (May 9) and where (Bucharest). Thursday nights just got busier.

Thursday December 8
Day off which means travelling back from Manchester, making various phone calls, tweeting (which remains annoyingly addictive even on the days when you despair at the abuse) and researching a book. This is a job which easily expands to fill all the hours in the day.

Friday December 9
Up at 5am for a flight to Madrid to preview the clasico. It’s going to be my fourth clasico of 2011. The first three have produced nine goals (four for Messi), five red cards (plus Mourinho dismissed), two mass brawls and enough fireworks to mark a new Millennium. So here’s hoping.

Plane is delayed by an hour and a half so land in Madrid, sprint through the airboard, dive into a taxi, dash to the training ground and….. Jose isn’t turning up. Not really a surprise given that he’s been on best behaviour since the eye-poking at the Super Cup. But disappointing nevertheless. Aitor Karanka, his assistant, is not a man who is going to sell newspapers.

Dinner in Madrid with Marc Aspland, the best sports photographer in the business, Sid Lowe of the Guardian and Guillem Balague. Perhaps a little too much Rioja consumed.

Saturday December 10
El Clasico. The biggest club game in the world. Not a bad climax to a busy week. There’s a mad scrum outside the Bernabeu as I’m walking around. Rafael Nadal has just arrived. This is a game that everyone wants to see.

A goal for Real after 23 seconds sets up a great night of football. If Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t in abject form, perhaps it might have been different but Barcelona hold their nerve, trust in their possession game and eventually dominate a match they might have won by more than 3-1 to leapfrog Real at the top of La Primera Liga. Mourinho talks afterwards about bad luck but even he must know, deep down, that Real have been comprehensively outplayed. A short piece for online is my only requirement so I can enjoy the spectacle.

Sunday December 11
Fly home. Write up 1000 words of Clasico report. Someone has seen that I’ve been to the Bernabeu and tweeted “you have a great job”. After a week like that, I wouldn’t dream of disagreeing.

FWA Q&A: Bob Harris

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We talk to The Sun’s Bob Harris about East German food, Swiss ringers and, er, In the Night Garden.

First ever newspaper?
The now defunct Birmingham Planet

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
Cricket beckoned until serious injury which also cost me my “other” job which was basically playing cricket for a company once a week with the title of assistant progress manager.

What was your finest achievement playing football?
Keeping the score down to under 10 while playing in goal for the press against a team of Swiss ringers who were better than our ringers – by a long way!

Most memorable match covered?
1966 World Cup Final.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Gordon Banks’ save against Pele in Mexico 70.

Best stadium?
The old Maracana in Rio before it started to fall down because of lack of investment.

…and the worst?
Heysel Stadium, Brussels May 29, 1985.

Your best ever scoop?
Still waiting!

Your personal new-tech disaster?
Far too many to mention – still prefer biro and notepad.

Biggest mistake?
Wiping out a huge feature (did I ever write short ones?) on the old Tandy by pressing the wrong button as the family waited for me to take them to Sunday lunch.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Eric Morecambe (while he was still alive I hasten to add).

Most media friendly manager?
Who else? The late Sir Bobby Robson.

Best ever player?
Pele, John Charles, Duncan Edwards and, of course, Messi.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
Liverpool (76-81); Real Madrid (1955-60); Man Utd Treble winners (1999); Birmingham City (1956); Brazil (1970 and other dates).

Best pre-match grub?
Not too much choice outside the Barclays Premier League.

Best meal had on your travels?
Doyle’s at Watson Bay in Sydney.

…and the worst?
East Germany (various).

Best hotel stayed in?
The Kempinski, Bodrum and a large selection of five stars in Mauritius including the latest addition Long Beach.

…and the worst?
Any number in the old Eastern Europe.

Favourite football writer?
David Lacey (Guardian).

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Mike Ingham and the late Peter Jones.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Far, far too late, perhaps the Tardis to take us back to pre Premier League wages days.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
My 10th Olympic Games in London next year (fingers crossed).

Last book read?
The Prometheus Deception by Robert Ludlum.

Favourite current TV programme?
In The Night Garden.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
Signed picture of Bobby Robson and John Charles in action in an England v Wales international.

Bob Harris covers matches for the Sun

Barclay to leave The Times in January

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By CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

Patrick Barclay is to leave the Times next month after two and a half years as the newspaper’s chief football commentator.

His departure is by mutual consent, a phrase that raises cynical eyebrows when related to a managerial exit but Barclay, one of the most experienced and respected football writers in what older hacks still call Fleet Street, insists it is true.

He told footballwriters.co.uk: ‘It was the Times’s decision not mine but I fully support it given my salary, relatively short time there and the need for cost cutting. In the shoes of whoever made the decision I’d have done the same.

‘I spoke to a senior executive and I was told they had a serious cost cutting exercise and a few days later I became part of it. I’m not being replaced as the title of chief football commentator, which must be the most pretentious ever devised, is being made redundant.’

Barclay has some meetings lined up and is anxious to continue working – ‘if someone wants me to join their staff in some capacity…I’ll see what comes along.’

Like most football writers, Barclay has known only one profession. He said: ‘That’s what I want to continue to do. I’ve written two biographies and there are an unlimited number of great men and women about whom you can write books.’

The love affair with what Pele called the beautiful game still burns strong with Barclay who is counting the days before the next Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday. It is the sort of game where a football fan buys his wife or girlfriend a present, tries to explain Bill Shankly’s famous quote and watches the best two teams on the planet in a game that you can guarantee will not be dull.

‘I am certainly addicted to football,’ said Barclay who has no plans to seek counselling. ‘This series between Real and Barcelona is the greatest thing I have ever come across in club football. Even Spain’s version of the Community Shield last August between them was absolutely riveting.

‘I remember last year when Wayne Rooney was watching Barcelona’s 5-0 win last season on television, his wife came running in to the sitting-room because Wayne was up on his feet applauding in am empty room. Football of the quality we saw that night unites the Rooneys, journalists, fans and everyone in a wonderful spectacle.’

As Europe’s elite prepare for the final group ties in the Champions League spread over two days, it is difficult to remember how newspapers managed to cover the European Cup, Cup-winners’ Cup and UEFA Cup whose games were all played on the same day, even allowing for the fact there were fewer matches.

In the 70s and 80s there were no sports supplements and none of the blanket coverage football enjoys now.

Barclay said: ‘I remember the 1984 European Championship in France and England did not qualify. It was the Platini finals, nine goals in five games, and England toured South America instead, John Barnes scoring his famous Maracanã goal. English newspapers did not bother too much about Euro 84 and I covered the tournament travelling in a car with Brian Woolnough and Clive White. We were virtually the entire English media contingent, writing about 300 words a day but spending more time with a Michelin guide looking for places to eat.

‘That sort of thing is inconceivable today even if England didn’t qualify. They didn’t reach the finals of Euro 2008 but it was still a huge event in every newspaper.’

While he is unsure who he may be working for next summer, Barclay has already made plans to be in Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012.

He said: ‘I spent a day last week negotiating my way through a budget airline’s timetables to book myself tickets. I’m not missing it or the 2014 World Cup.

‘At the 2010 World Cup the Times made an economic decision after England were eliminated so I had to pay to go to the semi-final in Durban between Spain and Germany. I certainly wasn’t going to miss one of the best games of the World Cup even if I had to finance it myself. Football is about experiencing the great moments, being able to relate to them as something you have experienced. I also went to one of the Clásicos last season at my own expense. It’s important to be there and not just watching teams on TV.

‘Even being turned away by a jobsworth is all part of the fun – well, after it’s over.’

Barclay is not the only football writer affected by News International’s belt tightening. He said: ‘When I came into the business I used to love reading David Lacey of the Guardian who is still writing brilliantly. My all-time favourite is Brian Glanville who is still working aged 80.

‘During their time other great writers have come through and in this context I must mention Ian Hawkey who has been a victim of the Sunday Times’s cost cutting. Ian is a writer of quality who gave a new aspect on European football and beyond.’

My Week: John Richardson

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Sunday Express writer and close friend of Gary Speed, John Richardson, writes about his difficult week in the aftermath of the Wales manager’s death.

Sunday November 27th.

A lovely Sunday morning, the traditional walk with my wife Sue – I don’t know how she puts up with me either – by the river in our home city of Chester which must encompass a bacon or sausage bap in our favourite waterside cafe.

It’s one of the delights of being a Sunday newspaper man – Sundays completely to yourself. If you’re lucky maybe Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as well. If Sports Editor is reading this, just joking.

What’s this, a missed call from Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph? What does he want on a Sunday morning? Maybe he just wants to check something out.

Nothing personal Chris but it’s probably the worst return call I’ve made in my life. He informs me very hesitantly knowing the likely impact that there are rumours circulating about Gary Speed. “Like what?” I enquire a little nervously. “That he’s hung himself,” answered Chris.

My mind is in a complete whirl. Speedo is a big mate. I’ve got three chapters of his autobiography sitting in my bottom drawer. We often meet in his local for a chat, both living in the area. He and his lovely wife Louise joined us on a boat on the River Dee to help celebrate our wedding just over four years ago.

This has got to be one of the sickest rumours that has ever circulated around the football world…surely? But the fact that Chris had heard it from two different sources put me on edge.

I rang a mutual mate, fellow Welshman Ian Rush. He would be able to nail these stories. He was in Dubai and the way he answered his phone suggested the worst case scenario. Normally he would be ready with a quip. This time it was a solemn “Hi Ricco.”

“You’ve heard the rumours Rushy about Speedo?” I replied. “Yeah, I think they’re true mate,” were the words I will never forget.

Right, there’s only one way to prove everyone is barking up the wrong tree. I’ll ring Speedo. His mobile rang out – there you are it’s not switched off, he’ll answer in a moment. I’ll be able to tell him there’s some sick people out there. It went into message. “Do us a favour pal can you ring me back. I’ll then put you in the picture about some gossip doing the rounds.”

There would be no ring back. Within half an hour the news is out. Gary Speed who appeared to have the perfect life had ended it all at the age of 42.

I couldn’t handle it. All I could think of was the numerous conversations we had about the two boys Ed and Tommy who he absolutely doted on. I sobbed and then felt guilty that I hadn’t felt this bad when my lovely mum died in May. She was 86, had enjoyed a full life and was suffering from dementia. Speedo had the world at his feet at a relatively young age.

Took the father in law out for a meal as planned but it was a surreal afternoon. Originally told Sue I don’t care if he has to miss out on a pudding I want to get back for the Liverpool-Manchester City game on Sky Sports.

Now I couldn’t care less if he wanted to go through the card. Football was inconsequential. Arrived home at half-time. Watched the second half in a daze. Saw Mario Balotelli get himself sent off. But yesterday Speedo was alive, today he is isn’t…

Monday November 28th.

Went swimming after buying the normal mound of newspapers. There’s my mate all over them, a poignant reminder that it hadn’t been a nightmare that you wake up from.

Everywhere you go people – many of whom aren’t even interested in football – are talking about why somebody as rounded and principled as Speedo would end it all.

Never had so many text messages or spoken to so many people in such a short time – all about the one subject.

Had an interesting chat with Kevin Ratcliffe, a former Wales international and mutual mate who had played golf with Speedo on the Thursday. We were going around in circles, why? why? why?

For a few minutes we puncture the gloom by recalling the time when Speedo used to, or probably more correctly, didn’t deliver newspapers to then Everton star, Ratcliffe. “No wonder I never gave him a tip at Christmas,” Rats chuckled. “He was ruddy hopeless.”

For his book Speedo had admitted that if he was running late or his bike developed a puncture Rats, being one of the last people on the round, would miss out.

Sat up late unable to read the deluge of tributes in the papers just wondering whether I could have done anything to have prevented this tragedy. Had there been any signs of a change in Speedo’s character? I know I wasn’t alone in examining the previous weeks.

After all he had appeared on BBC’s Football Focus on the Saturday exuding all that charisma which lit up rooms.

Tuesday November 29th.

Typical of a so called journalist, I’m struggling to write the sympathy card to Louise and the boys. Can hear Speedo in my ear wondering why he had chosen me to help him write his autobiography when according to him I couldn’t even spell.

A few weeks ago a couple of financial problems surrounding the Wales team had got him down and he was fleetingly talking about making a stand and maybe resigning. I asked him where he was calling from. He replied he was at the Trafford Centre with Louise shopping. I told him he could be shopping every day if he quit.

“You’re right,” he chortled. “I’d better stay working.”

I know one day this week I will have to write my personal tribute for Sunday’s paper. Can’t face it right now. To be honest I’m struggling to piece together my week’s schedule. A light has gone out, football and life isn’t the same at the moment.

Have tickets to watch one of my favourite bands, an Irish group called The Saw Doctors in Liverpool. Sue and I go ahead and thankfully for two and a half hours the gloom is lifted.

Wednesday November 30th.

Thankfully this is the last day of my personal Ramadan. It’s been a tradition for a number of years now that myself and a group of mates don’t touch a drop of alcohol in November. Safe to say I can always tell you what date we are in this month as it seems to last longer than a John Ley intro.

Already made plans for lent to end the next night in the local with a good pint of Cheshire Cat.

Having been in Liverpool the previous night I had recorded the Carling Cup quarter-final highlights. Watch them with interest especially Chelsea’s latest demise against Liverpool.

Received a lot of stick for calling Chelsea manager Andres Villas-Boas “an imposter” on the Sunday Supplement. That might have been a bit strong but have you ever seen a manager look so out of his depth?

Was told that Steve Bruce was on his way at Sunderland after a meeting with owner Ellis Short. Not out yet but one thing’s for certain the story isn’t going to last until Sunday.

Watch Manchester United tumble out of the Carling Cup against Crystal Palace. Want to see some of these Palace youngsters for myself. Not disappointed. It’s great for the Championship which is almost forgotten, especially by the BBC who show it during the graveyard shift on a Saturday night.

Thursday December 1st.

What a marvellous day, the first day of December. Already made plans to visit the local, Harkers, in the evening for that first pint. Better do some work first. Can’t put it off any longer, deliver 1,000 words for my Gary Speed tribute. It just came from the heart.

Make several calls to contacts for pieces for my column but of course the conversations were dominated by you know who.

Finally it’s that time – off to the pub with wife and step daughter who can always sniff out a free meal.

Break off to speak to some of the regulars in their corner – a place where Speedo would often pop in for an hour or so on a Monday evening. Plenty of hugs and tears. Great lads who are hurting.

Four pints down the hatch aided and abetted by fish finger sandwiches – don’t laugh, they are all the vogue now. Crikey we’ll soon be having egg, sausage and chips for our January Tribute dinner at the Savoy. And why not?

Friday December 2nd.

Off to Manchester for a double date with Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini. For Sunday purposes it’s all about Champions League previews. En route while flying down the M56 I’m talking live – and hands-free – with Rob McCaffrey, former Sky Sports host who has TV and radio shows in Dubai.

It’s his radio show which is full of middle of the road pop crap – don’t worry I’ve told him and his listeners about the motley collection of records. Makes Ken Bruce seem like John Peel. At least one week he managed to find a Bruce Springsteen track to try and pacify me. After all there’s only so much Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep you can take while waiting to express your views.

Fergie in good mood although I cop it when I’m out of the blocks too quickly for the Sunday conference which follows his top table briefing with TV and the dailies. “Richardson, where are you going?” he barks at least with a smile. Had enough hair dryers over the years to open up a hairdressers.

Always more relaxed with the Sundays mainly because we’re prehistoric and he has pity that we are still roaming the football world.

Off next door to see Bobby Manc. He is more relaxed now and starting to understand the English media. Talk about the forthcoming game with Bayern Munich. He’s confident City can still remain in the Champions League. His team seems unstoppable in the Premier League.

Told football is off in the evening. I know, don’t laugh…still playing at my age along with Roscoe Tanner of the Daily Express. Something about pitch maintenance. Go swimming instead. Anyway always a chance of chatting up some decent totty in the sauna instead of listening to Roscoe dribbling on.

Saturday December 3rd.

The day from hell. On the road before 7am to travel up to Tyneside for Newcastle v Chelsea knowing I’ve then got to drive down to London to appear on Sunday morning’s Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement. Vanity sometimes gets in the way.

Never enjoy covering Newcastle – kick every ball as well as trying to concentrate on compiling a half decent match report. Feeling okay until walking down to St. James’ Park after parking up and see a billboard on a lamp-post advertising the Gary Speed tribute programme. Whack, I’ve gone again, God knows what I will be like when they hold the minute’s applause?

Actually I’m okay until I see Newcastle coach John Carver crying his eyes out being comforted by fourth official and top guy Mark Halsey.

Chelsea win 3-0 but only after somehow David Luiz is given a yellow card instead of red. See one of the best ever goalkeeping displays from Newcastle’s Tim Krul. Impressed by how Villas-Boas handles himself in after match press conference.

After four and half hours finally arrive at the Marriott, Heathrow – my traditional overnight stay when appearing on the Supplement. Just have enough time to visit the local McDonalds for a quick take-away before getting back to the room in time for Match Of The Day.

There’s an obvious language problem. Ask for large Fiesta Chicken. Get a Latte. No large please, don’t even like coffee. Finally believe I’ve made a breakthrough and eagerly take my package with orange instead of coffee back to room. Somehow the Fiesta Chicken has transformed into what looks like a Big Mac. So hungry by now could have eaten a horse – probably have!

Sunday December 4th.

Never sleep well before Supplement duty so awake before alarm goes off at 6.45 am. Picked up by car and into Sky to meet host extraordinaire Brian Woolnough and producer Dave Wade. Honestly feel Woolly is one of the best presenters on TV and a top bloke to boot. (If that doesn’t continue my appearances, don’t know what will). On with two mates which always helps – Rob Beasley and Paddy Barclay.

Good knockabout stuff although receive a gentle telling off for telling Beez that he’s a “tight arse” after he admitted he doesn’t tip his postman at Christmas. Trouble was it’s picked up live after coming back from an advert break. Not exactly a Richard Keys-Andy Gray job though is it?

Drive back to Chester listening to Andy Dunn on Five Live or is it Five Dead! Come on Dunny raise your game. Seriously as usual he talked a lot of sense. Good to have him back on the Sunday Mirror.

Quick meal with my good lady and it’s off to Manchester to watch Coldplay at the Arena. Why is it that, unlike football, you never know when the group or singer you have gone to see are going to come back on stage? Finally Chris Martin and the crew bounce on stage at 9.15 pm. Enjoy a rousing 90 minutes but takes nearly as long to get out of the car park.

Arrive back home at 12.30 am, the missus asleep in the car even though The Stranglers are on full blast.

Pogo to bed.

FWA Q&A: Warren Haughton

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We talk to talkSPORT producer Warren Haughton about the 1999 Champions League final, spare batteries and scoring in the FA Cup.

Your first ever newspaper?
The first ever newspapers I wrote for were The Sun and Daily Star when I was working for Hayters on a work experience basis.

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
I used to be a professional footballer with Leicester City and played a good standard of non-league for Woking, Tamworth and Havant & Waterloovile

What was your finest achievement playing football?
Scoring FA Cup 1st round goals for Tamworth and Havant & Waterlooville or playing for Woking in the Conference, something I didn’t think would happen.

Most memorable match covered?
Dagenham were the first team I covered for a season and it was a pleasure to see them beat Aldershot 2-1 at home to clinch promotion to the Football League back in 2007.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Solksjaer’s winner against Bayern Munich in Champions League Final in 1999

Best stadium?
For work The Emirates is great.

…and the worst?
Rothwell Town

Your best ever scoop?
So far it’s Gervinho to Lille and PSG’s Taraabt bid last summer

Your personal new-tech disaster?
Assuming Griffin Park, Brentford, had Wifi when I covered my first ever Football League game

Biggest mistake?
Not having spare batteries for Luton Town post-match managers’ press conference and having to run out of stadium to local shop.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Some would say I’ve been mixed up with someone who actually played football.

Most media friendly manager?
Apart from Harry Redknapp it has to be Martin Allen, now Notts County

Best ever player?
Maradona but Messi is not far behind.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
Barcelona 2011 and loved the Brazil 1982 World Cup team

Best pre-match grub?
The Emirates

Best meal had on your travels?
The Emirates

…and the worst?
Spurs is the worst of a good bunch

Favourite football writer?
I’m a big Observer fan so I’ll go for Paul Wilson

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Radio: talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface and Stan Collymore; TV: Martin Tyler

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
I don’t think you can introduce any hard or fast rules, just a softening of the approach to each other from both sides

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
London 2012 Olympics 100m final

Last book read?
Football – Bloody Hell by Patrick Barclay

Favourite current TV programme?
Dexter

Your most prized football memorabilia?
A Bronze predator boot presented to me by Kenny Dalglish in 2000 for being one half of the best strike force in non-league football that season.

My row with David Beckham – Because I gave him a six

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The former Manchester United midfielder never forgave STUART MATHIESON for his match marking

BY CHRISTOPHER DAVIES

TO MILLIONS of people around the world Stuart Mathieson, the Manchester United correspondent of the Manchester Evening News, has the best job in football journalism.

It is the dream job for any United fan, covering Wayne Rooney and company each week yet Mathieson admits he grew up supporting the noisy neighbours.

He said: “I was a City fan as a kid. I used to sell programmes at Maine Road as a teenager but when I became a football writer at 17 I realised there was a bigger picture. I can’t say I’ve lost my affinity for the club and still look for City’s results but I became aware there were footballers out there as good as the ones I hero-worshipped.

“My family are all City fans so my job makes it easier in that as much as I love covering United I don’t necessarily want to go out all the time and talk to my family and friends about work.”

Mathieson succeeded David Meek in 1995 and since then has reported on 10 Barclays Premier League titles, three Champions League finals, three FA Cup and three Carling Cup wins

There are few reasons to be critical of the most successful club in Barclays Premier League history but United are notoriously sensitive to what they perceive as negative coverage. As the local beat man Mathieson more than anyone must be aware of the line in the sand but he has still fallen victim to the Old Trafford media sanctions. While still on good terms with Sir Alex Ferguson, Mathieson has no special privileges.

He said: “When I started I had access to Ferguson every day. I would phone him at home, the training ground or on his mobile so to be too critical then was difficult because I had to pick up speak to him the next day. But over the last five years the relationship’s changed.”

The News’s coverage of FC United of Manchester, the club formed in 2005 by supporters opposed to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover, did not go down well with the Old Trafford powerbrokers.

Mathieson said: “It was a big story and had to be covered but Fergie didn’t like the way we continued to cover it. He told me it was nothing personal but the phone call every day went out the window. I only see him at press conferences now, usually twice a week. It’s not ideal because you don’t pick up updates on injuries though in some respects it makes it easier to be critical because I have nothing to lose.”

FWA members have been handed a one-game ban – or more – for what they have written and Mathieson said: “It is very much a treading on eggshells situation for anyone who covers United. I’ve discovered down the years that whatever I write some people will think I’ve got it wrong or that I’m biased against United or biased in their favour.

“I always write honestly – I couldn’t do anything else – and if it upsets people, what can I do?”

Probably the most touchy subject for players are the marks at the end of a match report. Few FWA members have not incurred the wrath of an indignant player who feels his display has been under-valued.

Mathieson said: “Some people wonder if I have a vendetta against a player which I haven’t. If I did some would have got zero every week.

“As with everything else I do the marks honestly, not being generous because someone has given me a good interview or whatever. I’ve had big fallouts with Peter Schmeichel and David Beckham over the years. I had a major row with Beckham in France once because I’d given him six out of 10, he went ballistic. He probably felt he should have got a seven or an eight. I stood my ground and we argued. He never spoke to me again after that. When he went to Real Madrid a couple of sports papers gave him a naught for one of two games so I wasn’t that bad, perhaps.

“The 6-1 home defeat by City was easy to cover because the defeat was so comprehensive there was no argument from anybody. No one complained about their marks, mind you, I doubt if any United players read the papers for a few days.”

Mathieson has covered the cream of the Barclays Premier League players over the past 16 years and for him two stand out. He said: “In terms of being helpful, Steve Bruce was magnificent even though I didn’t work with him for that long. He was always very good to me and since he left United it’s been the same. I spoke to him before United played Sunderland about Wes Brown and John O’Shea and as always he was brilliant.

“On the pitch it has to be Cristiano Ronaldo because of the things he could do. There were some parts of his game I didn’t like but he was a sensational player and United miss him. United had five years of Ronaldo which is all they had from [Eric] Cantona and he’s an absolute legend. I think Ronaldo is very close to that. He won two titles and the 2008 Champions League final virtually on his own. He was as close to a one-man band as you can possibly get.”

Mathieson is very aware how fortunate he is to cover every game of the biggest club in the world where success is virtually guaranteed,

He said: “Like all football writers I sometimes think ‘oh no, another spread’ or ‘another back page’ but whenever I go to a match and see how many people are there…the money they have spent…it’s ridiculous even thinking about moaning. The football I’ve seen over the past 16 years, and been paid to see, has been wonderful. I don’t think there is a provincial journalist who has covered the amount of success I have.

“People have spent their life saving going to the same games as me and I never lose sight of that.”

FWA Q&A: Peter White

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I would like to dedicate this to my late wife, Trish, who passed away very recently. I have done it because my son Jamie, Trish and I, were going through the questions having a laugh about the answers only the night before she died. Pic: Trish and I, circa 1982, when Villa were in full swing.

Your first ever newspaper?
The Banbury Advertiser and first assignment was finding out the cost of sheep at Banbury Market.

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
My darling wife and I kept a pub for nine months when we moved to the Isle of Wight, but I was still writing as well.

What was your finest achievement playing football?
Scoring five goals in a game for Fenny Compton against Grimsbury in the Banbury and District League when I was 17.

Most memorable match covered?
Apart from Aston Villa’s glorious night in Rotterdam in 1982, it has to be in the Aztec Stadium, Mexico City when Maradona’s Hand of God goal and his pure genius knocked England out of the World Cup 1986.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Trish and I both agreed, we already had it. It’s when my son Jamie, aged 11, was playing in a cup final for Moor Green (now Solihull Moors) and scored a volley from the edge of the area in the last minute. They went on to win the game 3-2.

Best stadium?
Villa Park, of course.

…and the worst?
Birmingham City because of its press box. It’s like watching a match through a letterbox.

Your best ever scoop?
Gordon Strachan leaving Southampton, and an exclusive with Dwight Yorke on why he was quitting Villa for Man Utd. I gave him a lift from the training ground to The Belfry and he told me everything I needed to know.

Your personal new-tech disaster?
According to Trish it was my phone, laptop and anything electrical!

Biggest mistake?
Villa v Everton many years ago, when I called Derek Mountfield, Kevin Ratcliffe, all throughout the game in my copy. Ratcliffe wasn’t even playing.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
My near namesake, Peter Withe. Especially on foreign trips when the PA announcer always read out ‘number 9, Peter White.’

Most media friendly manager?
Lots. The majority more friendly than not, but Brian Little and I have always got on well with and Harry Redknapp was very good to me when he was at Portsmouth.

Best ever player?
It’s got to be Besty (George Best).

Best ever teams (club and international)?
Aston Villa 1981/82. Holland’s total football team, saw them thrash England at Wembley.

Best pre-match grub?
Man City’s Maine Road in the good old days.

Best meal had on your travels?
Best value for money-Bratislava- three course meal – £4.50.

…and the worst?
Remember big creepy crawlies in my lettuce in my Sunday lunch at Seoul Olympics 1988.

Best hotel stayed in?
Los Bricos, Acapulco, during 1986 World Cup trip.

…and the worst?
Hotel Cosmos, Moscow with Villa early 1980s. 320 bedrooms-one telephone!

Favourite football writer?
I could mention quite a few – let’s wait and see who sends me the biggest cheque.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Martin Tyler, but still prefer him with Andy Gray.

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Ensure press officers/heads of media realise that there should be much better communication with journalists rather than think we are all ogres.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Saw England win the Ashes at home, but would love to see them do it Down Under.

Last book read?
How to be more efficient with new tech.

Favourite current TV programme?
Spooks or Hustle.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
Signed programme from 1982 European Cup final Villa v Bayern Munich and Andy Gray’s old gold Wolves socks from the 1980 League Cup final win.