Yearly Archives: 2012

May 18, 2012

New Chairman and Executive Secretary

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.

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May 17, 2012

FWA Live in association with Blue Square Bet

The first FWA Live in association with Blue Square Bet evening was a huge success.

A packed audience at London’s Imagination Gallery on May 16 heard some lively debate from four of England’s top football writers who were joined by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and Adrian Bevington, managing director of Team England.

Sky Sports News’ Charlotte Jackson took questions from supporters while Paul McCarthy, the new executive secretary of the Football Writers’ Association, was MC.

Shaun Custis (The Sun), Andy Dunn (The Sunday Mirror and new FWA chairman), Matt Lawton (The Daily Mail) and Henry Winter (The Daily Telegraph) got stuck into the hot topics.

Christopher Davies was there for footballwriters.co.uk. Photography by Hy Money.

“There would have been street parties if John Terry had been left out” – Henry Winter

“I wouldn’t have taken Terry or Ferdinand” – Andy Dunn

“Steven Gerrard is intimidated by John Terry” – Shaun Custis

“England will do well to get out of their group” – Matt Lawton

ON ROY HODGSON’S DECISION TO DROP RIO FERDINAND FROM ENGLAND’S EURO 2012 SQUAD

Shaun Custis: Rio would have been surprised. If you look at it logically it is unfair for John Terry to go and Rio doesn’t. I think the FA blazers would rather not have him [Terry] there. Rio is upset but accepts the decision. I think this is probably the end of his England career.

Henry Winter: There is clearly more to it and we all know the reasons why. It’s sad after Rio missed out of the 2010 World Cup because of injury. I regard Rio as the glue that holds the squad togethher, he is such a personality.

Andy Dunn: I would not have taken either but Rio seems to have paid a penalty even though he doesn’t face a trial in July, John Terry does.

Gary Lineker: With all the baggage John Terry brings perhaps this was an opportunity...it’s not like one is so much better than the other. I feel for Rio because when he’s played in big tournaments and big games he’s always done well.

Roy Hodgson said Ferdinand was omitted “on football reasons” – he has played one international in the last year yet the new England manager’s captain, Steven Gerrard, has featured in 33 minutes’ international football in 19 months.

Matt Lawton: Rio doesn’t look like a player struggling for fitness. Is he inferior to Phil Jones who Sir Alex Ferguson never picks ahead of him? Is he worse than Gary Cahill or Phil Jagielka? For me he should be in the squad.

Henry Winter: He could have taken the very easy decision to leave John Terry out...

Paul McCarthy: Are you leaving someone out for non-football reasons?

Henry Winter: If he’d left Terry out there would have been street parties...people would have had the bunting out.

Matt Lawton: In fairness none of this was of the FA’s making...what happened between Rio and JT...Fabio Capello resigning. Chelsea requested that the trial [where Terry is accused of making a racially aggravated remark to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand which the Chelsea captain denies] was put back to July. Hodgson could not have taken them both.

ON STEVEN GERRARD AS ENGLAND’S LATEST CAPTAIN

Shaun Custis: Fabio Capello lost faith in Steven Gerrard who always seems intimidated by it [the England captaincy]. Do you think John Terry will just sit in a corner and say nothing? I think Gerrard is intimidated by Terry.

Gary Lineker: It’s sad if any player is intimidated by another. I’d find that hard to believe. We tend to get too carried away by the captaincy anyway. Players will be leaders on the pitch, captain or not. John Terry won’t change.

Henry Winter: When I walk up Wembley Way I see the statue of Bobby Moore...

Gary Lineker: Do you not think England would have won the World Cup had Bobby Charlton been captain?

Henry Winter: Well yes and maybe there would be a statue of Bobby Charlton then. I still believe being captain of England is the greatest honour for an English player.

Adrian Bevington: It will be interesting to see what happens when John Terry is asked about all this.

Paul McCarthy: I have two words to say to you, Matt: Stewart Downing.

Matt Lawton: Adam Johnson or Stewart Downing? Not much difference.

Paul McCarthy: Someone tweeted me today to say Tim Howard has scored more goals and has more assists [than Downing] this season.

Matt Lawton: I think Downing is capable of playing extremely well. Which game was it...? The FA Cup semi-final against Everton? I don’t have a massive issue with the squad except one [player].

Shaun Custis: Andy Carroll was chosen because he had a great end to the season when he played well against Chelsea and John Terry. Who’s in the squad.

Gary Lineker: We have one world-class striker in Wayne Rooney but after him the rest are much of a muchness. Andy Carroll is a gamble who could pay off. Jermain Defoe is a one goal in three games player. We need a bit of luck with him...that’s he’s on it at the time.

ON GARY NEVILLE’S APPOINTMENT TO THE ENGLAND COACHING STAFF

Paul McCarthy: Mr Dull...Mr Grey...he’s sprung two major surprises.

Andy Dunn: Roy Hodgson goes about his job quietly and now he’s brought in someone who has personalioty and profile in Gary Neville who’s blocked me on Twitter. I’m not quite sure what he’s going to do [with his Sky Sports commitments].

Adrian Bevington: Roy wanted someone who had recently retired, has a good conduit with players and Gary Neville was the first name he came up with. Gary’s completed his UEFA coaching badges...

Andy Dunn: Doesn’t the manager speak to the players?

Henry Winter: I think you’re being harsh. You need someone younger...their generation...you look at the squad and ask how many natural leaders there are. Gary can chat to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and fill him and others with belief.

Shaun Custis: It will be very difficult for him to be the sort of Sky Sports pundit he is now. When it gets to November and Wayne Rooney goes in on someone and Gary says: “He didn’t mean it...” But yes, Gary Neville gives a spark to the set-up.

Matt Lawton: He’s been a very good columnist for the Mail on Sunday which is run completely independently from the Daily Mail. I guess the decisison [on Gary Neville continuing] will be made on whether the column tapers off or is not as interesting.

Shaun Custis: This is a man who almost caused a players’ strike [over Rio Ferdinand’s ban for failing to take a drugs test].

Adrian Bevington: He’s always been one to express a view.

HOW WILL ENGLAND FARE AT EURO 2012?

Matt Lawton: I think it will be tough for England to get out of the group. France will be hard opposition in the opening game...Sweden, we always seem to lumber to a draw against them...and then Ukraine, the co-hosts. I think if England get out of the group Roy Hodgson’s done a good job.

Andy Dunn: The quarter-finals. We’ll beat Sweden and Ukraine...then it depends who we play.

Henry Winter: Any team that holds on to the ball we’ll struggle against. We saw at Wembley how well France do that. I fear for England with Benzema running at Terry.

Shaun Custis: I thought it would be difficult but Roy Hodgson’s been very upbeat, the players are confident so with that in mind...the last four.

Gary Lineker: I cannot remember when England went to a finals with so few people having high hopes. If we play in an organised manner...two holding midfielders...and grind it out...Greece [2004] and Denmark [1992] showed what you can do. Chelsea showed against Barcelona you can win if you have some nous. Holland got to the [2010 World Cup] final with some journeymen players but were incredibly organised. I find it hard to believe under a new manager the squad will not be united. I’ve never been in a squad where the camaraderie is not good. The worry is there is almost too much pressure...it can be almost unbearable...at a World Cup or European Championship, if you lose a game there is massive pressure from the country. There is no way players can escape knowing what’s being said now. In Mexico 1986 we had about one phone call home per week...now with Twitter, the internet and everything it’s impossible not to know what’s going on.

ON PLAYERS TWEETING DURING THE FINALS

Adrian Bevington: We shall have a good chat about Twitter, there are some basic principles to be applied but it’s a great platform to communicate with fans, a good medium to get points across.

Gary Lineker: People can be very hard on Twitter. No one ever abused me to my face but on Twitter...

ON KENNY DALGLISH’S SACKING

Paul McCarthy: Were Liverpool correct?

Henry Winter: Probably, yes. If you look at the American owners...they want good PR. [The Luis Suarez affair] It was a classic case of someone not handling something very well. Kenny Dalglish got left behind in how the media operates. When under pressure he retreats into a shell and cannot cope with the media.

Andy Dunn: Liverpool have to reassert themselves as a top club.

Shaun Custis: The owners will want Liverpool be projected better than how Kenny Dalglish did it.

Gary Lineker: I felt for Kenny. It is sad to see an absolute legend who’s been brilliant in all sorts of ways to end like this. He’ll be hurt because he absolutely adores the club. I agree, though, PR-wise he struggled with Suarez...he got himself into a pickle over that.

Henry Winter: If Roberto Martinez or whoever comes in and Liverpool lose their first two games the Kop will chant Kenny Dalglish’s name.

Matt Lawton: They should have given him more time. I think they have treated him badly.

Henry Winter: We fell out because I wrote a column saying he was wrong [in his handling of Suarez]. He had to understand Liverpool’s reputation around the world was going up in flames. He had to address this. It’s one thing to back your player but he had to step back and look at the bigger picture.
*Our thanks to Carlsberg for supplying refreshments.

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May 14, 2012

My Week: Gerry Cox

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.

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May 14, 2012

FWA Live in association with Blue Square Bet



Want to know what Britain's top football writers think of England's chances at Euro 2012, but missed out on tickets to FWA Live in association with Blue Square Bet? Don't worry because you can still take part by asking a question through Twitter.

All you have to do is tweet your question using the hashtag #FWALive. So if you want to know whether the writers think Roy Hodgson should pick Paul Scholes, write:

Should Paul Scholes be selected in the England squad? #FWALive

If you'd like to know how Hodgson should solve the problem of Rooney’s absence from the first two games, write:

Who should play up-front for England while Rooney is suspended? #FWALive

Questions will appear on a live feed at the venue and selected questions will be answered by the panel.

Taking place at the Imagination Gallery in Central London on Wednesday 16th May, FWA Live in association with Blue Square Bet will feature Paul McCarthy, Henry Winter (Daily Telegraph), Shaun Custis (The Sun), Andy Dunn (Sunday Mirror) and Matt Lawton (Daily Mail). The panel will kick off at 7pm.

Gary Lineker and Adrian Bevington will also be in attendance, while Sky Sports' Charlotte Jackson will be taking questions from the audience.

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May 14, 2012

Annual General Meeting: 15th May

REMINDER

The annual general meeting of the FWA will be held on Tuesday, May 15th at noon in the The Swan, Bayswater Road, London.

May 14, 2012

FWA Q&A: Nigel Clarke

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.

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May 9, 2012

My Week: Steve Bates

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.

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May 7, 2012

FWA Q&A: James Mossop

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.

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May 4, 2012

The FWA Interview: Robin van Persie

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.



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May 3, 2012

Van Persie proud to win FWA award

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."



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