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FWA Q&A: Philippe Auclair

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In this week’s FWA Q&A, we chat with Philippe Auclair of France Football about the Flintstones, Richard E Grant and having Thierry Henry’s coathanger at home…

Your first ever newspaper?
France Football, as it happens, if it’s football we’re talking about. Otherwise, Le Courrier Cauchois, a minuscule weekly from my native Normandy, for which I wrote ‘colour pieces’ about local history while still at school.

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
Let’s see: chef (in Brussels); musician (everywhere); mushroom collector; I also invented a board-game and still do a few voiceovers (highlight: dubbing The Flintstones in French).

What was your finest achievement playing football?
Being picked to play for my university when I’d gone something like six years not scoring a goal. I was supposed to be a left-sided destroyer. Really.

Most memorable match covered?
In terms of emotion, Arsenal’s 1-0 at the Bernabeu in 2006. In terms of action, the 4-4 between Chelsea and Liverpool in the second leg of the 2009 Champions League quarter-final. I was commentating the game for French radio, adrenalin pumping in my veins for hours afterwards.

The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Either Dennis Bergkamp’s pirouette and goal against Newcastle (you know the one)…or Alain Giresse scoring France’s third goal against West Germany in Sevilla, 1982. Could someone stop the tape at this point, please?

Best stadium?
Highbury. Cue tightening of the throat and flood of beautiful memories…

…and the worst?
The Stadio delle Alpi [Juventus] was cold, nasty, atmosphere-less, a nightmare to work in. Good
riddance.

Your best ever scoop?
The one I never used: a detailed count of the votes for the attribution of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, two weeks before the ‘decision’ was made. I couldn’t name my source, nobody believed me (including the guys at England 2018), and that was that. It still rankles.

Your personal new-tech disaster? A classic: checking my MP3 recorder was working…yes it does…doing a splendid one-to-one with Wenger…arriving home to find out I’d erased the interview instead of saving it to the hard disk. I was too embarrassed to call Arsène, so wrote the whole thing from memory, in a panicked trance-like state. I feel much better now I’ve confessed.

Biggest mistake?
A very funny one, at the 1991 Copa America. I was commentating for TV Sport – from London, of course, without proper team sheets, on a very small screen. Chile were playing Venezuela…who were playing in a different shirt from the one I was expecting. For a full five minutes, I believed one team was the other, and was waxing lyrical at how the minnows were outplaying the favourites. Then, I realised. I Froze. My co-commentator took over as I hyperventilated. From then on, I was the ‘analyst’ for that tournament. We didn’t get a single letter of complaint. Perhaps TV Sport didn’t have much of an audience then.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Richard E. Grant, on a number of occasions, including at the Wimbledon dog track, where I was asked if there’d be a sequel to Withnail & I by a bookie. I dared not disappoint him.

Most media friendly manager?
Guus Hiddink. Media-friendliness is not just about being friendly, which can lead to cronyism, but more about answering questions without trying to spin them, and showing respect to the questioner. Guus never failed me – never failed us.

Best ever player?
Alfredo di Stefano, judging by what people I admire have told me of him. Among the ones I’ve seen in the flesh, Diego Maradona, who won a scudetto, a UEFA Cup and a World Cup on his own.

Best ever teams (club and international)?
Brazil 1970 will never be equalled, I’m convinced of that. As a club side, a purely personal choice: Valeri Lobanovsky’s 1980s Dinamo Kyiv team, which truly was poetry in motion.

Best pre-match grub?
Dead-heat between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Best meal had on your travels?
A stupendous barbecue organised by the Wadi Degla club in Egypt. This was during ramadan. Tough during the day (especially as we’d played six-a-side against their academy in the afternoon), but when Cairotes break their fast, oh boy…The finest lamb I’ve ever tasted.

…and the worst?
Try Auxerre’s sandwiches. They might change your views on French cuisine.

Best hotel stayed in?
The Ciragan Palace in Istanbul. A magical place in a magical city, right by the Bosphorus.

…and the worst?
The Britannia in Manchester. I don’t know where to start. A party of half-drunk sales reps had put on a blue movie on the bar video. It went downwards from then on. I actually got a refund.

Favourite football writer?
Brian Glanville is my master; prodigiously cultured, sharp, witty and brave. But I also think that David Lacey remains the greatest football reporter, which is not quite the same thing.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Martin Tyler. As a compere, Jeff Stelling. Who else?

If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
Simply enforce the regulations, and make sure that players do stop in the mixed zone or tunnel after the games. The current situation is disgraceful.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
The Cresta Run? No. Boxing Day test cricket down under, with Ian Bell approaching his triple century. By tea.

Last book read?
Ronnie Reng’s biography of Robert Enke, which is simply magnificent.

Favourite current TV programme?
I do not watch television unless there’s football, cricket or (at a pinch) rugby union on. I much prefer the company of books; and of people, naturally.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
The coathanger on which Thierry Henry placed his shirt after scoring a hat-trick against Wigan, on the day Arsenal played for the last time at Highbury. This coathanger is reserved for the tuxedo I wear at the FWA’s Gala Tribute Night. Why that is I couldn’t say.

Philippe Auclair has been France Football’s England correspondent for over a decade, and regularly contributes to Champions and The Blizzard. He can also be heard on talkSPORT and various BBC station and is a regular guest on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast.

Martin Lipton: My Week

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By MARTIN LIPTON
Chief Football writer
Daily Mirror

Friday Oct 14: Still recovering – probably quicker than Fabio Capello – from the late-breaking news of Wayne Rooney’s Euro 2012 ban and the press conference leftovers from Chelsea to devour as well. A few calls to UEFA – to confirm an appeal would be a shot to nothing, with no chance of the ban being increased – and the FA to pass on the news and seek a reaction. Otherwise, quite a quiet day.

Saturday Oct 15: Up with the larks to watch the egg-chasers Down Under. Not sure Warburton would have any defence for that tackle on the football pitch. Second half of Liverpool v United on the box then off to Chelsea, showing great resolve to Just Say No to the three-course meal, although a turgid first half means I can’t resist the gateau during the break. Simple win for Chelsea, with David Moyes realistic about Everton’s lack of financial resources and Andre Villas-Boas backing Daniel Sturridge’s England claims.

Sunday Oct 16: Day off, but not until lunchtime, with a match report to write up and a few calls to make. Keep an eye on events at The Emirates and St James’ Park but others have to carry the burden today. Thankfully.

Monday Oct 17: LMA chief Richard Bevan sets the cats among the pigeons by claiming Barclays Premier League foreign owners want to scrap relegation and institute a closed shop. Aston Villa particularly angry at a perceived slur. Ongoing developments with the Chelsea Pitch Owners also mean a day of telephone calls, while trying to sort out looming trios to Genk and Kiev and a planned managers’ lunch.

Tuesday Oct 18: Joy of joys – 15 minutes of watching the Chelsea players warm up at Cobham before a 90 minute wait to see Villas-Boas. At least the Portuguese has learned to lighten up and speaks glowingly of the standard set by “benchmark” Barcelona. Then a Good Samaritan disaster. Agree to drive two Belgian journalists back into London, let them off at Tube and drive away – to discover they’ve emptied the boot of all the bags…..including mine with the laptop in it. Frantic round of phone calls to try to discover their identity before forced to go to Stamford Bridge where I know they will be at Belgian press conference. Return of bag was a a huge relief!

Wednesday Oct 19: Easy day followed by a late night, although Chelsea make easy meat of the Belgian minnows. Famine has become feast for Fernando Torres although he chooses not to speak in the mixed zone. Branislav Ivanovic is the agreed spokesman on his behalf.

Thursday Oct 20: Recording BT’s Lifes A Pitch podcast in the morning followed by a Central London meeting with a contact. Big event of the day was sitting next to Greg Walace (of Masterchef fame) on the Tube back home. He tells me I should cook with rapeseed oil rather than olive oil. Journalism doesn’t get tougher than this!

FWA Q&A: Mick Dennis

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Our series of member Q&A sessions continues with Mick Dennis of the Daily Express…


Your first ever newspaper?

Eastern Daily Press (Great Yarmouth office of the Norwich-based paper)
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
No, but I worked as a play-leader in parks while at school and then college.
What was your finest achievement playing football?
I once trapped the ball fairly cleanly
Most memorable match covered?
The 2006 World Cup Final, when Zidane’s last act as a pro footballer was to nutt an opponent.
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD
Norwich City’s second goal against Sunderland at Carrow Road, 26 Sept 2001
Best stadium?
 As a journalist, The Emirates. As a spectator, the Bernabeau
…and the worst?
Fratton Park, Portsmouth (as a journalist and as a spectator)
Your best ever scoop?
The electric fence at Stamford Bridge
Your personal new-tech disaster?
None. It is all much easier, and more reliable, than in the days of trying to get hold of a land-line phone to dictate a story.
Biggest mistake?
As a young sub-editor in Norwich I wrote a huge headline with three ‘E’s in Greenwood. About 25 years later, as sports ed of the London Evening Standard, I wrote a bigger headline with the ‘P’ missing in Campbell.
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
As a young man, travelling with Norwich City, people used to assume quite often that I was one of the players — unless they’d seen me play.
Most media friendly manager?
Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger — very different, but both worth listening to and prepared to speak even after bad defeats.
Best ever player?
I saw Johan Cruyff and George best live and both were sensational. I’d opt for Besty, because played as he lived, closer to the edge.
Best ever teams (club and international)?
The Aston Villa team who won the league in 1981 were the most exciting club-side I saw a lot of. The 1970 Brazilians were peerless.
Best pre-match grub?
The Gunn Club, Norwich
Best meal had on your travels?
Why this fixation with food? Mostly on football trips I eat service station junk.
…and the worst?
See above!
Best hotel stayed in?
The Radisson Blu, Frankfurt
…and the worst?
The Adelphi, Liverpool
Favourite football writer?
David Lacey, The Guardian
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Peter Drury, ITV
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
I’d make football clubs employ PR professionals, rather than former journalists. They are different jobs with entirely different skills.
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
I am lucky enough to have been to many. Football beats the lot.
Last book read?
A Golden Sky by Ian Ridley
Favourite current TV programme?
The Good Wife
Your most prized football memorabilia?
Media pass from Africa’s first World Cup (South Africa, 2010)
Mick Dennis’s column appears in the Daily Express each Wednesday during the football season and he reviews the newspapers on Sky Sports News each Thursday at 7.30 am.

Full marks to Brighton

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FULL MARKS to Brighton this season on and off the pitch.

Gus Poyet has forged a side that should be in contention for a play-off place while press-wise Paul Camillin and the rest of the media team at the Amex do all they can to make our job as easy as possible.

Yes, there are one or two things that still need fine-tuning to the press facilities but I have no doubt they will be done. What impresses me about Brighton is the attitude of those in charge of the press. They actually want to help us and such a statement will not sound strange to FWA members who find working at too many Barclays Premier League clubs…let’s say, challenging.

A smile costs nothing and covering Brighton’s match against Hull on Saturday was a pleasure (Football writer enjoys job shock horror!). The press area is large, the chicken and rice excellent, the wi-fi worked and even the 0-0 draw was, as someone once said, not really a 0-0 draw.

After the match the media went to a spacious interview room while players were made available for the Mondays. My thanks to Paul Camillin and the Amex press officers for their sterling work.

Ferguson praises award-winning duo

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Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Paul Scholes and Gary Neville after it was announced that the Manchester United duo will be honoured at the FWA Tribute Dinner next year.

The event will be held at The Savoy in London on January 22nd, and Ferguson has spoken of the players’ dedication and endurance during their long careers.

“To be recognised by the whole industry of football writers in England is a great accolade to these two players, but it’s also in testimony to the careers they’ve had,” he told Football Writers’ Association chairman Steve Bates.

“It’s not just about a couple of seasons, or that they’ve won the European Cup twice. It’s about careers spanning 18-19 years, since they joined us as kids.

“They’ve had phenomenal careers and they’ve done it in the best possible fashion – they’ve represented our club, and themselves and their families in the best possible way.”

Paul Scholes made his debut in September 1994 in a League Cup game at Port Vale. He scored both goals in a 2-1 win.

Gary Neville made his debut in a UEFA Cup match against Torpedo Moscow in September 1992. The game (and the tie) finished a draw, with the Russian side progressing on penalties.


Football Writers honour United duo

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We are delighted to announce that Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Gary Neville will be the first joint recipients of the Football Writers Association Tribute Award at a Gala Dinner at The Savoy, London, in January 2012.

The recently retired duo follow a long line of Old Trafford stars dating back to Sir Bobby Charlton in 1989 with Denis Law (1994), Sir Alex Ferguson (1996), George Best (2000), Bryan Robson (2006), Ryan Giggs (2007) and David Beckham (2008) all recipients of the prestigous award for their contribution to the game.

Announcing the news FWA Chairman Steve Bates said: “Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are outstanding examples of one club men who have played at the highest level for Manchester United and England throughout distinguished careers.

“We are delighted to be honouring them at our Gala Tribute Evening early next year on what promises to be a great night for the two players, their families and the FWA.”

Details of the dinner and ticket allocation for members will be announced shortly.

Barclays Aspiring Football Writer Competition

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Do you think you’ve got what it takes to become a successful football journalist? Would you like the opportunity to show off your writing skills, putting yourself in with a chance of winning a week’s work experience with Mail Online and a trip to a Barclays Premier League match with a top football writer?

Barclays Aspiring Football Writer Competition is a collaboration between Barclays, title sponsors of the Premier League, and the Football Writers’ Association, which aims to provide up-and-coming UK writers with a taste of life as a top journalist reporting on the Barclays Premier League.

If you’re a budding football writer based in the UK then we’re looking for you. Submit your articles and match reports on the Barclays Premier League, and the best entries will be published on the competition website and the Barclays Football Facebook page every month.

Please note that you must be a UK resident between the age of 16 and 30 to enter.

Head over to the competition website to find out more – www.barclaysfootballwriter.com

FWA Q&A: Christopher Davies

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In the first of our new ongoing feature, we speak to Christopher Davies of The People about life as a football writer…

Your first ever newspaper?
South London Press
Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
I did a stint in public relations when I was younger…among the clients were a women’s hat manufacturer…quite
What was your finest achievement playing football?
Scoring a goal from the half-way line with a back-heel…eat your heart out David Beckham…oh, it was during a six-a-side game
Most memorable match covered?
Has to be the 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy for the Daily Telegraph…my first World Cup final as a football correspondent…it was far from a classic match but like players, football writers also want to be at the big ones
The one moment in football you would put on a DVD?
Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966 – and I was there, my ticket cost 17 shillings and sixpence
Best stadium?
The Nou Camp even though the press box is so high you can shake hands with the man in the moon
…and the worst?
The old Plough Lane press box was, er, interesting…I remember covering the first game of the season there once and there was a sandwich left from the last game of the previous season
Your best ever scoop?
David Beckham to Real Madrid…sadly the Daily Telegraph decided not to use it…two months later the story broke…sob
Your personal new-tech disaster?
Arsenal 1, Parma 0 – 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, Copenhagen…pressed ‘send’ but instead of sending my match report it disappeared into a new tech Bermuda Triangle…after a 30-second swearfest I picked up the landline (those were the days) and adlibbed 800 words
Biggest mistake?
On talkSPORT recently I said: ‘I hope Guus Hiddink returns to English football…he has one more big job in him and I hope it’s here’
Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
At the 2002 World Cup finals a TV crew from Cameroon wanting an interview thought I was Barry Davies…’no, I’m Chris Davies’…’oh, you’ll do’
Most media friendly manager?
At the highest level Arsene Wenger has been outstanding…it is rare that his press conferences do not produce a story
Best ever player?
When I watch Lionel Messi, which I do virtually every weekend on Sky Sports, I am continually astonished at his skill…he makes the near-impossible seem easy, the ball is almost velcro’d to his magical left foot while he does not indulge in the dark art of diving
Best ever teams (club and international)?
The current Barcelona and Spain (which some say is Barcelona without Messi) teams have raised the bar and taken football to a new level…Barca’s display in the 2011 Champions League final was as near football perfection as it gets
Best pre-match grub?
Football writers who cover Arsenal’s home games are always well fed
Best meal had on your travels?
Certainly not Albania! I remember having a baby beef in Buenos Aires in 1978…it was the biggest baby I have ever seen…I have never eaten a steak as good (or as huge) as this…BA is not the place to be a vegetarian
…and the worst?
Well, I didn’t actually eat it – it was in Iran and it was sheep’s eyeballs in yoghurt
Best hotel stayed in?
On Capri shortly before Italia 90…the ultimate freebie…my room had its own swimming pool
…and the worst?
Hotel Tirana in 1993…we were told we may have to share but I didn’t realise my room-mate would be a rat…the rat also complained
Favourite football writer?
As a young lad I always loved reading Hugh McIlvaney (Sunday Times) and still do
Favourite radio/TV commentator?
The late Peter Jones had a voice and vocabulary that is unsurpassed
If you could introduce one change to improve PR between football clubs and football writers what would it be?
For young players to be educated in media relations
One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Australia v England, the Ashes, in Sydney (with England winning)
Last book read?
Scouting For Moyes by Les Padfield…a little gem
Favourite current TV programme?
Romanzo Criminale on Sky Arts 1…set in Rome in the 1970s…terrific
Your most prized football memorabilia?
My 1966 World Cup final ticket signed by the two captains, Bobby Moore and Uwe Seeler
You can read Christopher Davies, a former chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, in the People and hear him every Tuesday at 7am on talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show with Alan Brazil and Ronnie Irani

Emotional Henry receives Tribute Award

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Thierry Henry collected the 2011 Football Writers Association Tribute Award at a gala dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London on Sunday January 16.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward, 33, now enjoying life in the United States with Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls, was guest of honour as the FWA returned to The Savoy for the first time since it’s multi-million pound refurbishment three years ago.

Once more, some of football’s leading names attended, including former England striker Gary Lineker, himself a former winner of this award in 1997, Howard Wilkinson, Sam Allardyce, West Ham manager Avram Grant and Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier.

FWA Executive Secretary Paul Hetherington paid tribute to the late Ken Montgomery before the formal proceedings of the dinner, as well as sending best wishes to FWA members Dennis Signy and Danny Fullbrook who could not make the dinner because of ill health.

Actor, broadcaster, journalist and life-long Arsenal fan Tom Watt spoke of his personal memories of watching Henry in action, helping fire the Gunners to an unprecedented period of success, including their Invincibles campaign of 2003/2004

An impromptu speech from Houllier followed, as the former Liverpool boss recalled his time working with Henry while a youngster within the French national team set-up – and even quipped he would be happy to see the pair re-united at Villa Park this season!

FWA chairman Steve Bates, chief football writer of the People, felt Henry was a worthy winner of the 2011 Tribute Award to add to his three-time Footballer of the Year accolade.

He said: “Words like ‘great’ and ‘world class’ are often over-used in our industry, but tonight we are honouring a player for whom those superlatives are justified.

“Thierry brought style and grace to the Premier League, and a killer touch in front of goal.

“At three times during his eight years at Arsenal, Thierry was named FWA Footballer of the Year.

“We are not an easy bunch to please, and that is a unique feat which still to this day remains unbeaten, and may not be for some years to come.”

The BBC once again provided a DVD of Henry’s playing career, with comment from Jonathan Pearce.

In accepting his award, Henry looked back on his time at Arsenal with great fondness, remembering some of his former team-mates.

Henry said: “Seeing that video got me a bit emotional.

“Every time I hear the press talking about the guys who came across to play in the Premier League, it is always about the flare, but I would not have been the player I was here without guys like Tony Adams and Martin Keown.

“I would also like to thank the journalists. I was not always happy with what you were saying, but that always gave me extra power to give my best.

“I always tried to give my best, sometimes that was not enough. Maybe I was sometimes moody and not always smiling, but the intention was always there inside.”

Henry continued: “Nothing can ever top playing for Arsenal, the understanding I had with the fans, my team-mates and the boss – without him I would not be standing here right now.

“I know you guys all said it was a privilege to see me play, but I would also like to return that to you.

“Everything changed for me when I came to England. It was a real pleasure and privilege to play in this league at Arsenal.

“Thank you for everything.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had taken the time to give a personal tribute to his former captain to the FWA, and believes the Premier League may never have seen a player quite like Henry.

“During his career with Arsenal, Thierry won the FWA Footballer of the Year three times, and each was justly deserved because during those seasons, there was no better player in the Premier League,” Wenger said.

“Thierry was really special. During his best period with Arsenal, he could make the difference at any time, and score anywhere at any moment.

“When he really had decided ‘now I will do it’, he always did it. Nobody could stop him.”

Beckham hopes for another year at Galaxy

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DAVID BECKHAM’S chances of returning to the Barclays Premier League in January were hit after he admitted he wants to play one more year in Major League Soccer.

Beckham’s four-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy ends in November. Spurs and Queens Park Rangers are keen to offer the former England captain a chance to return to English football this winter while the midfielder is keen to play for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.

If Beckham, 36, plays a fifth MLS season, which begins in March, he would almost certainly rest during December and January.

He said: ‘I’d like one more year with the Galaxy. I feel fit and want to help the Galaxy win the championship.’

The Galaxy became the first team to clinch a play-off berth with their 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.

Robbie Keane was only a substitute after totting up 13,000 air miles on Republic of Ireland duty.

‘It’s tough,’ said Beckham. ‘I did it for a few years and it is difficult coming back and going straight into a game.’

While Barclays Premier League clubs are often critical of the heavy schedule of English football the Galaxy are focused on trying to get through the next three weeks without injuries or undue fatigue. Between the MLS schedule and CONCACAF Champions League matches, the Galaxy won’t have anything longer than a three-day break in mid-October, two weeks before the playoffs begin.

‘THEY’RE OUT TO GET ME’ CLAIMS MOURINHO

JOSE MOURINHO believes there is a campaign against him and accused UEFA of giving Arsene Wenger preferential treatment over his touchline ban.

The Real Madrid coach, currently serving a two-game Champions League touchline ban, is no stranger to controversy, having totted up more than £200,000 in fines during his career plus several suspensions.

He said: ‘What is a serious offence for one person is not serious for another. There are certain regulations for one and the rest.

‘UEFA did not accept my appeal so I was not able to go to the bench for the Champions League semi-final [against Barcelona] last season. Yet they accepted the appeal of another coach [Wenger] punishing him two days after a crucial game for his team.

‘I have to live with this.

‘There is a campaign against me and it is well organised. I almost enjoy it, though, because it motivates me. I like new motivations.’

Mourinho was delighted that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson spoke positively of him last week.

The former Chelsea boss said: ‘He is the most historic coach in world football in my opinion. To hear what he said was humbling.’

NFL HARD LINE ON DRINK-DRIVING WOULD NOT BE WELCOME HERE

ENGLISH football will no doubt be hoping the Football Association do not adopt the policy of the National Football League in relation to drink-driving.

The NFL suspended Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Andy Moeller for two games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, also fining him £30,000..

The suspension stems from Moeller being found guilty of driving while impaired by alcohol. In the NFL, personnel are not paid while under suspension so Moeller’s ban would have also cost him around £100,00 in wages.

Imagine the reaction of managers, coaches and players found guilty of drink-driving if they also received an unpaid sporting ban. Yet anything that helps to reduce the offence should be welcomed.

Christopher Davies