Image: Danny Molineux

While we await news that Martin O’Neill is indeed our new manager, get this: Steve Bishop*, founder of the Cannock branch of the Wolverhampton Wanderers Supporters’ Club, has not missed a game for 35 years. Every gloryseeker in the land should stand back and salute, or pity, his astonishing loyalty and stamina. In the second Wolves “Who are You?” features, we get Steve talking about Mick McCarthy, Jody Craddock, trips to Roker and much more (oh and yes, he thought when writing his responses that Steve Bruce would stay …

See also: McCarthy Out, say young supporters …

Salut! Sunderland: Another season, another relegation battle. Or at least that is how it seems, certainly for us as things stand and also for you. Are you worried?

Yes I am worried. By our own standards, Wolves have spent heavily in the last two seasons and this does not seem to be reflected in an upturn in our fortunes on the pitch. In particular, our two big signings of the summer Jamie O’Hara and Roger Johnson have disappointed most. O’Hara has struggled to capture the form he showed when he was on loan with us last season (ain’t it always the way). Johnson has made several errors leading to goals but even more importantly, he has failed to galvanise our leaky defence.

I love it that Wolves are in the Premier League. Naturally, I think it’s where we belong, just like supporters of West Ham, Leeds, Derby, Forest, the Sheffield clubs and so on. Incidentally, I believe all those clubs I just mentioned do have a better claim than Wigan, Blackburn, Notlob and Fulham. I do not deny any of them (apart from Wigan) an occasional place at the top table but their long-standing membership of the top-flight does undermine my fundamental belief that the biggest Clubs with the best support should graduate towards the top. It’s only natural.

I repeat, I love it that Wolves are in the Premier League. Apart from the prices, it’s all good. Better games obviously and I prefer it that there are fewer matches, less traipsing up and down the motorways during the week. For the time being, no more trips to Selhurst Park on a Tuesday night. God, I hate that place. Frankly, Wolves have seen enough of the Championship having spent the best part of 20 years at that level.

Mick McCarthy: lots of Sunderland fans have a soft spot for him but he has been under pressure. Is it time for a change?

I recently did an interview for The Guardian which mainly concentrated on this very issue. I will echo my views given then: after all there may be readers itching to pick out my inconsistencies.

I suggest that throughout football managers are rarely downright incompetent and rarely unconditionally successful: instead, I think it’s mostly just luck whether a Club is successful within the realm of its financial resources. I’m sure that is a controversial view but how often will you see a manager that enjoys success at one Club, moves to another Club at which he fails. Another move, another club and success returns. Is it really possible to argue that the abilities of such a manager do fluctuate to the same extent that their performance suggests. It’s a whole host of factors many of which are beyond the influence of one man. A lot of these are personality based: a set of players does not of itself make a team.

In summary, it depends whether the ball is rolling your way. Earlier, I called the word luck to describe this factor. Perhaps, that’s not useful, so may I suggest the word “mojo” instead?

By most measures, McCarthy’s time at Wolves has to be described as a great success. He took over from Glenn Hoddle who left us in a terrible mess, we were stagnating in the Championship and our squad had been decimated. Within just three seasons, MM had turned it around and got us promoted. Now we’re in our third season at this level. How can that be considered anything less than a great return.

But now it seems there is a growing gap at Wolves between expectation and outcome. I have already alluded to our summer signings, these did definitely raise expectations at the start of the season. A perceived failure to achieve these expectations is unsettling things at Molineux.

I fear Mick McCarthy has lost his Mojo for the time being. I have to say he deserves time now to recover it.

And do you think Jody Craddock’s time at the club (he was a much-appreciated Sunderland player) is coming to an end – just two Carling Cup appearances so far at the time of writing?

It’s fair to say that Jody has achieved legendary status at Molineux. He’s been with Wolves eight years now. When he signed up he seemed to be just another journeymen doing the rounds. We were dumped out of the Premier League at the end of his first season and Jody took more than a fair share of the blame.

Sunderland supporters may be aware of the song that has been accorded to Craddock by the Wolves fans that goes: “He used to be sh*te, but now he’s all right”. Okay, so it’s ironically understated but it succinctly sums up how he’s perceived here.

But hey, he’s closer to 40 than 30 so naturally his time with us (and as a football pro) is coming to an end. We have to look to the future and blood younger places. For now, I am more than happy to employ Jody as cover in the event of injuries.

Which players are the key to your survival, of better, this season and who needs to be replaced sharpish?

I would not like to go on record slating any particular player (notwithstanding my earlier comments about Roger Johnson). I prefer it that supporters pursue their “job-title” and support.

On the plus side, I have a keen inkling for our defensive midfielder Adlene Goedioura. He could be key if he could stay clear of injuries that have plagued him recently.

How aware and proud are you of the great old Wolves tradition, Billy Wright and all?

I’ve followed Wolves many years and over time I’ve immersed myself in the Club’s history so I’m fully aware of our history and very proud.

However, I’m in my early fifties so Wolves’ best years pre-dated my times. My Dad has told me all about it, as have many others of that generation. In football terms, I’m a child of the seventies, Derek Dougan and all that. Even then we were one of the better teams in the top flight. UEFA Cup finalists in 1972 don’t you know!

But history is no guarantee of future success – didn’t Sunderland used to be known as the Bank of England club as the wealthiest in the land.

Moreover, I suspect that the team of the Fifties may actually have been a burden to successive generations. Older supporters still use it as a yardstick.

What thoughts do you have of Sunderland: the club, its fans, the city?

I’ve never had occasion to visit the city except to watch Wolves but I’ve always had a high regard for the Sunderland fans.

I can remember watching Southampton v Sunderland on Match of the Day in the seventies and being amazed how many Mackems had made that not inconsiderable journey.

Of course, I can remember the 72 – 73! – ed - Cup Final: Stokoe, Montgomery et al. I went round a friend’s house to watch it – theirs was the first colour TV in the street. I admit I was rooting for Sunderland. Then, as now, we all hate Leeds. And they had knocked us out in the semi-final. It could’ve been Wolves you played.

Any memories – good, bad, funny – of past games between our teams?

Several, but blurred by the odd pint, perhaps the seventh or the fifth, or the ninth.

The supporters club I organise did have to endure quite a trip to Roker once. It was a League Cup tie in the early Eighties. There were only a few of us travelling so I hired a minibus from a local firm. Turned out to be a right old banger but what’s more the driver and his mate were Sunderland lads. (Incidentally, there were two further Sunderland fans with us one being the cousin of the late Rob Hindmarsh). It took ages to get to the North East but then it turned out that they’d arranged to pick up their mate to take him to the game. So another hour was spent collecting this fellow from deep in a council estate. By the time we got into the match, Wolves were already 2-0 down and it finished 5-0. After the game, we were taken to the Working Men’s Club (of course) and eventually got home around 4am.

Oh yes, after we beat you last season our coach would not start so we were stuck in Sunderland whilst the driver got it sorted. I’m afraid another visit to another Working Men’s Club was involved.

And did you hear about … the time Sunderland had two players sent off early in a match at Molineux but held out almost until the end.

Who will finish top four, in order, this season? And who will go down?

Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal.

Blackburn, Wigan, Swansea.

If Sunderland and Wolves are in neither of those lists, where do you think each club will finish up?

Grieves me to say so on your forum, but I think Sunderland will rally over the season. Let’s say twelfth. I think Bruce will still be with you come the summer (famous last words! – ed). By the way I cannot see Newcastle sustaining their position: I guess tenth for them.

Wolves season I fear is more precarious. The way things are going I can only see a hard season ahead. But we’re no worse than the other Clubs that are likely to be fighting it out at the bottom and I am confident we can secure the points to avoid the drop, Sixteenth, seventeenth is fine by me.

I used to call this the Eduardo Question after his dive for Arsenal v Celtic, then the Walcott Question after young Theo publicly admitted diving and apologised for it. Now it is the Barton Question (remember his play acting for Newcastle v Arsenal). That covers diving and feigning injury but what form of cheating most annoys you and what should be done to stamp it out?

Yes all that type of cheating annoys me not to mention also the harassment and haranguing of the match officials. In fact much of the ethos of professional football is downright irritating. I know it’s a cliche but I would look to Rugby Union as the model to follow: let’s see if we can get the players to call the referee Sir. The game needs to grasp the nettle to sort out this behaviour. I welcome the development whereby action can be taken after a match if the ref has missed something and the offender is “caught on camera”.

Is it club before country for you or do internationals matter more to you than Wolves?

That’s a bit of a moot point for Wolves supporters. Naturally, our International interest is with England. Apart from a token appearance by our Matt Jarvis last season it looks unlikely that Wolverhampton players will be exercising Fabio’s deliberations in the near future (notwithstanding the South Bank occasionally chanting “Craddock for England’). Of course, we do have many international players particularly for the other British nations: three players for Wales, two for Scotland, three for the Republic of Ireland so I wish these countries well but hey ho I’m English and proud

What one thing should the football authorities or Wolves do to improve the supporter’s experience of the game?

I am utterly convinced of the case for safe-standing. Personally, I prefer to sit down (my knees aren’t too good nowadays) but there are two aspects of this question which for me clinch the issue.

Firstly, I am appalled by the conflict it brings about between all the parties: Clubs argue with supporters; football authorities argue with clubs, threatening to reduce capacities; stewards argue with fans. It’s all so counter-productive.

Secondly, there are many supporters that through age or infirmity cannot easily stand when the rest of the crowd are up on their tip-toes watching the action. Quite often (at Wolves’ away matches), I am appalled to see elderly fans unable to watch hardly any football. This cannot be right: they would be able to see the match properly if the more active were accommodated in safe-standing areas. I hope this sentiment will resonate with Sunderland fans and all other supporters.

Unfortunately, Wolverhampton Wanderers are equally steadfast in their resolve that stadia should be all-seater. Therefore, it is not likely that our current stadium developments will show any concessions on the issue.

Instead, I suppose the best prospect for any change in the attitude lies with the football authorities, be it the UEFA, the Premier League or the FA. If safe-standing is good enough for Germany, then it’s good enough for the English Premier League. After all, Bundesliga attendances are higher.

Alternatively, a safe-standing development by a maverick English Club might be enough to break the back of these hard-headed attitudes.

How will you follow Wolves v Sunderland and what will be the score?

Ha, like thousands of others I like to have a drink before a match. Therefore, I shall not be driving on Sunday. I prefer public transport, it’s the bus for me. The big down-side of Sunday matches for me is the infrequency of the bus service. During the rest of the week I can catch the bus right outside my front door that takes me right into Wolverhampton: on a Sunday, it’s a one mile walk. After the match, I have to put up with a two-hourly service. Back to the pub I suppose.

The score? What is it you expect of me. What exactly is the point of being a football supporter if you’re not given to blind optimism. I could offer you a score – how does 3-0 sound – but I would have to concede that such a prediction would be made without an ounce of objectivity.

* Steve Bishop on Steve Bishop: Me? I’m 53, not missed a Wolves match for 35 years, started Cannock Wolves Supporters’ Club in 1977, been running coaches ever since. In that time we’ve had approaching 2,000 members. Our site is www.cannockwolves.co.uk

Interview: Colin Randall

Oliver Graves

The season before last, Salut! Sunderland dedicated a “Who are You?” feature for one of the games against Wolves to David Graves, a great friend and colleague of M Salut’s who died in a diving accident in 2002. Today, in the first of two Wolves “Who are You?”s, David’s sons Oliver and Nathan* – who have kept the Wolfie roar loud and clear in the Graves household – jointly handle the customary pre-match questionnaire, making them the youngest supporters to take part in the series. The questions were set and answered before Steve Bruce’s dismissal but the boys made clear their disenchantment with another manager with SAFC connections …

Tomorrow: the Wolfie who hasn’t missed a game in 35 years …

Salut! Sunderland: Another season, another relegation battle. Or at least that is how it seems (and yes, for us as things stand, too). Are you worried?

We started the season very well with seven points in the first three games but since then our defending has been horrific. We both think Mick McCarthy should get the sack, he’s not the man to keep us up and we’d rather see an attack minded manager in charge. So unless something changes, or serious transfers are made in January, we don’t fancy our chances.

Your dad was a passionate Wolves supporter who would find ways of following a match wherever he was in the world and however difficult the circumstances. Is that part of his legacy important to you both and do you have any special memories of him as a Wolfie?

Absolutely, we still try and keep up to date with the latest scores wherever we go in the world. Last summer we were desperately looking for a wi-fi connection while in the heart of Zanzibar – and luckily we were successful. One of our earliest memories of Dad as a Wolfie is the time he managed to get us a private tour of the stadium from one of the club’s chief execs. The highlight being when we got to sit in the home dugout.

Nathan Graves

And have you resisted the glory seeking temptations of switching support to bigger, more successful clubs?

Definitely, the thought of switching sides has never crossed our minds despite being surrounded by many glory seeking friends of ours along with living in London.

I believe the club have been very good to your family. Do any gestures stand out in your minds?

We had the chance to meet all the players during the club’s first season in the Premiership at Molineux which was brilliant. We were also offered free seats for any home game.

Mick McCarthy: lots of Sunderland fans have a soft spot for him but he has been under pressure. Is it time for a change?

We both feel he should’ve been sacked early in October but the club has believed in him. If no improvements are made after January then it might be too late to stay up anyway.

And do you think Jody Craddock’s time at the club (he was a much-appreciated Sunderland player) is coming to an end – just two Carling Cup appearances so far at the time of writing?

With the addition of Roger Johnson we feel Craddock has been pushed down the pecking order and it looks like his time as a Wolves player might be coming to an end. He’s always been a particular favourite of Oli’s because he paints as well, and he’s not bad either.

An example of Jody's work

Which players are the key to your survival, of better, this season and who needs to be replaced sharpish?

We feel both Jamie O’Hara and Wayne Hennessey have been our most consistent players so far, whilst both the strikers and defenders have been hot and cold. It seems like a hard working goal poacher is what could really turn our season around. Players like David Edwards and Nenad Milijas aren’t meeting Premier League standards.

As younger supporters, how aware and proud are you of the great old Wolves tradition, Billy Wright and all?

We’ve always been very proud of the glittering Wolves heritage, especially in the 50s when Billy Wright was captaining England. Steve Bull was also a legend in our eyes.

Who will finish top four, in order, this season? And who will go down?

Manchester City
Manchester United
Chelsea
Liverpool

As for who’s going down, we certainly hope it won’t be us and if things change as we’d like in January then hopefully the bottom three will be:
Wigan
Blackburn
Swansea

If Sunderland and Wolves are in neither of those lists, where do you think each club will finish up?

We think Sunderland will finish 11th and can see Wolves finishing 16th.

David Graves

I used to call this the Eduardo Question after his dive for Arsenal v Celtic, then the Walcott Question after young Theo publicly admitted diving and apologised for it. Now it is the Barton Question (remember his play acting for Newcastle v Arsenal). That covers diving and feigning injury but what form of cheating most annoys you and what should be done to stamp it out?

It seems as the numbers of foreign players continues to increase so will unfortunate aspects of the game such as diving. We think fines should be put in place for frequent offenders, although some of them get paid so much they’d have to be pretty substantial to actually make an impact.

Is it club before country for you or do internationals matter more to you than Wolves?

Internationals certainly matter to us and should mean just as much to players. But at times like these our club takes priority. I (Oli) have more respect for the players at my club overall than those in the England squad.

What one thing should the football authorities or Wolves do to improve the supporter’s experience of the game?

That’s a good question. We feel the recent developments in goal line technology will have a greater impact on competitions such as the World Cup and Champions League than say a Mid Table scrap in League 2. Nonetheless we’re hoping it will be able to make for a better supporters’ experience in all aspects of football.

How will you follow Wolves v Sunderland and what will be the score?

We don’t have Sky so we’ll be keeping up online. Seeing as both teams have been struggling to score goals of late, it seems a 1-1 draw is most likely.

* Nathan and Oliver on themselves: Nathan is 16, Oli 17. We both go to school at St Benedict’s in Ealing (which has been in the news a bit recently – not for the best of reasons, ha). Nathan’s in his final year of GCSE, his main three subjects are History, Classical Civilisation and Sports Science. Oliver is in his final year of A Levels, studying Drama, Art and Early Modern History. Nathan is interested in going into Sports Coaching and Physiotherapy when he’s older. Oli is very interested in filmmaking and wants to eventually become a film director.

Interview: Colin Randall

Bernard Ramsdale (far left), and others, meet the Wigan boss Roberto Martinez

Yesterday, a lot of readers came this way to read a tremendously moving article by our old friend and Wigan Athletic stalwart Bernard Ramsdale on the struggles he and his wife have made, ably backed by an army of professional and lay supporters, to give quality of life to their brain-damaged son. Somehow it seems inconsequential that when our two clubs kick off at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, both teams and arguably at least one manager should be striving for somewhat lesser aims, those of Premier and job survival. Even so, Bernard agreed to answer a slimmed-down version of the “Who are You?” questionnaire …

Salut! Sunderland: That leaves the football questions, Bernard. Explain the present problems facing Wigan and where you think they will lead the club

Hmmm, put simply were are trying to play like Barcelona with players that do not have the ability to do so. However, the club is living within its means and will break even this year. The club is not in debt and is actually in the black. The future of this club is a long term project that does not involve spending money they do not have. This, in my opinion will reap dividends later. Football just can not go on like it is doing at the moment. Manchester City, top of the league with money to burn. Manchester United second, but reportedly well over £600m in debt, with everybody else following suit. It’s crazy.

And for what? One of three domestic titles, two of which the clubs aren’t bothered about until the semi finals stage? One decent European competition? It’s time football got real.

So in summary, that is the real problem facing Wigan Athletic. It’s not nice getting beaten most weekends but when all the other clubs in this league get a reality check, it will be too late for them. I’m thankful for the club’s foresight and plans to live within their means which bode well for the future.

The pundits talk of Roberto Martinez as if he was safe come what may, What’s you view on that, and on what he’s tried to do at Wigan?

Well, let’s put it this way on Wednesday November 9 at 6.50 pm I asked Roberto Martinez personally whether or not he would consider resignation. He replied that he has a long term job to do at Wigan Athletic and will see it through. He will never resign. So, given the fact that the chairman has recently intimated that he is not overly concerned just yet, but that he would sack Martinez if he felt it was in the club’s best interests, only time will now tell.

If the question had been “would you like to see Martinez leave?”, the answer would be a resounding No. In my opinion he has been better for this club than his predecessor, Steve Bruce, ever was.

Steve would have carried on spending and let’s be honest: he left Wigan so that he could shop at Harrods instead of Tesco. Given Sunderland’s financial position and current league status, he himself has not exactly been a runaway success has he? You are a few places above Latics and hey, “every little helps”, or does it?

And the first photo above shows you at a meeting with Martinez. To anyone connected with Sunderland fanzines, fansites etc, this is utterly mind-boggling and tells us a lot about the kind of club and man you are dealing with. Are these meetings solely for people like you or are mainstream press invited, too?

These events happen roughly every five months or so. They are meetings between Larics website owners and their invited guests. The club’s chief executive usually accompanies Roberto and the press are not usually invited, although on occasion both parties agree to the press being present to report about the event later. They are asked
never to report on what is actually said during these very informal get togethers though

The meetings have previously been held at the clubs training camp, the DW Stadium dressing rooms and even the boardroom in the past. The latest one was in the players lounge.

Roberto opens himself up and answers every single question that is thrown at him, even some of the, (shall we say?) pisspotical ones! In many ways Wigan Athletic are still a small town team and I do not mean this disrespectfully. What I mean is that the club’s powers that be do not have a big club attittude and they appreciate that as a club they can grow as the fan base grows. They look after the supporters. They look after the supporters very well.

What Wigan Athletic have got is very special. Roberto Martinez’s plans revolve around youth. He is overseeing a major project in which the club is building a facility to house some of the best youngsters from all over the world. They are then going to live and breathe football, the Barcelona way. If Roberto can’t find the players at the right price to play his way (ie the best players available from clubs like Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid etc, etc), he will breed his own. Amazing isn’t it?

So when people look and wonder why Roberto is still here despite two, and now maybe three relegation scraps, the key lies in the future. Wigan Athletic can not afford to eat at the captain’s table, they certainly won’t incur debt by trying to do so either. So the idea is to create a tastier menu of their own. Fascinating stuff!

I believe you can’t be at our game. How will you keep tabs on it and how do you see it going?

I will be attending a game at local non league club Ashton Athletic who will be playing a friendly against a Wigan Athletic Old Boys team. This is because the club is holding a donation for the Anthony Ramsdale Appeal and I will be picking it up on the day. I will get texts and messages about each and every incident at the Stadium of Light. My finger will still be on the pulse, don’t you worry about that!

As for a prediction , I’m going for a 2-0 home win. But only based on the fact that ALL my predictions have been wrong so far this season. So the law of averages tells me that surely this one can’t be wrong as well?

* Bernard is co-creator of This Northern Soul, an amalgamation of four Latics fan sites. Read his moving and inspiring story of his son Anthony by clicking here.

Interview: Colin Randall

Many Salut! Sunderland readers will know that Bernard Ramsdale is not only a staunch fan of Wigan Athletic and co-creator of This Northern Soul, an amalgamation of four Latics fan sites. He is also a great friend of this site. Fewer will know of his family tragedy – the devastating injuries suffered by his son Anthony in a road accident in 2007 – and the monumental efforts Bernard and many others make to allow him some enjoyment of life. There were some footballing questions, too, but they didn’t really fit in here so visit a separate posting at this link for Bernard’s thoughts on the match, Wigan’s present predicament and whether Bruce or Martinez have been better for the club. The main slice of this week’s “Who are You?” is given over to the warm, dignified and beautifully written article that follows …

So, how , in an article meant to be all about the vital place of football in our lives, make it seem less important than it really is? The simple answer to that question is that you can’t.

Colin Randall approached me a few weeks ago with this idea. We talked for a while and while I insisted that this particular story will only be told because of my respect for the Salut! Sunderland authors and the kind of supporters they represent, I decided to reveal how football in the grand scheme of things is only a game, but it is indeed still a major player in all our lives. Well, it is in mine anyway.

He alluded to the fact that Wigan Athletic and their wonderful supporters have been very supportive of me and my family through a five year period when you would have thought that football was the last thing on my mind.

Well on April 15 2007 it certainly was. Wigan Athletic had played a wonderful 3-3 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at home in the afternoon. The football on show from both sides was truly breathtaking and given the diversity of the two clubs in question, this was definitely a home point won for Latics, rather than two lost.

The evening saw me and my wife, Sheila, out celebrating to an Irish band, as you do, but within a few hours our lives were to change for ever.

One of Anthony’s friends rang Sheila in the middle of the group blasting out the Saw Doctors’ classic Joyce Country Ceili Band at roughly 10.30pm. This particular song is one of the most uplifting and enjoyable songs you will ever hear, but Sheila’s face turned from happiness, to concern, to worry, to abject misery as the phone call unfolded. The world around us was rocking, but hers was falling down in shattered little pieces all around her.

Anthony had been involved in a road traffic collision and to cut a long story short he was left permanently brain damaged. Following treatment at the Walton Neurological Centre and, later, two local hospitals, it was decided by the medical professionals that he would have no quality of life and we were advised to put him in a care home for the rest of his life. He was 25 by this time; the accident had happened when he was 24.

Put simply we were not going to do this. We wanted him to be given a better chance of obtaining some quality of life. Had we done as we were “advised”, Anthony would now be permanently bed bound, just waiting to die.

In fact, he probably would be dead, as I have seen first hand that this is normally the case when this option is taken by the family of a person who is only “minimally conscious” and unable to do anything for themselves. Often they are taken by a condition that gradually closes down all the body’s vital organs.

We took the decision in April 2008 to send Anthony to a Brain Rehabilitation Unit in North Wales where he would receive the best care currently available in the United Kingdom. As I write this, that is still the case.

We are not naïve, there will be no miracle, our son will probably never walk and talk again, but he is aware of his situation, although often “disengaged”. Various fund raising events held for Anthony have resulted in the purchase of specialist equipment and his own personal transport. Even now people are still offering donations to a specially set up appeal fund for him for the upkeep of his vehicle.

We needed this help because although Anthony is eligible for a benefit called DLA, he would actually receive it only if he were living at home or outside of a “care” environment. Considering the fact that he will now always need nursing supervision, and we would rather be good parents than bad carers, the local community and Wigan Athletic FC rallied around to help.

The logistics of this whole situation resulted in our need to purchase a caravan and leave it in Wales so that we could spend time with him. Up until then trips to Wales from Wigan, and then back, especially following visits that could sometimes be traumatic, could have led to a serious accident for either Sheila or myself, or more than likely both of us. This solution has enabled us to visit and have a little quality time for ourselves and our daughter while in Wales.

Even to this day people ask why Anthony is in Wales and the simple answer really is that we had to do what was best for him and worry about our problems later. It is working well. Many people make the mistake of placing disabled or traumatised relatives nearer to themselves, so that visiting them or looking after them is a little easier and this is quite natural. But often the care needed is not sufficient and if I am ever advised of what is best I would always tell people to place the victim in the best possible place for help first, and worry about yourself later.

During our conversation Colin must have been thinking football doesn’t really matter after all that, does it? If that was the case he is wrong, but only wrong because he isn’t aware of just what football does mean to myself and Anthony.

I brought up Anthony and his brother Michael to support their local team. Their local team is Wigan Athletic and while they were growing up they were often the only boys in their school who proudly wore a Wigan Athletic shirt among hundreds of school friends, all fellow Wiganers, who sported the shirts of the “big four” North West football teams instead.

Events since then have seen the club progress at a rate that I don’t think any other club has ever done, but I digress.

Anthony is often aware of his surroundings. His medical condition makes the long trip to watch Wigan Athletic almost impossible. What do I do about this situation? I decide that we will both go back to basics, by that I mean that through hell or high water, he and I will support our “local” team again. This time it is Colwyn Bay FC.

Both of us still go to their games when practical, ie when his condition on any given day allows it. We travel in his own “Wigan Wagon”, the vehicle that we would not have but for many, many local and Welsh people who have raised the funds to provide for him.

Wigan Athletic even sent a team to play Colwyn Bay during this pre season. Anthony was not really fit enough to attend this game, but we took the risk and in the event he was alert for roughly half of the game. I was disappointed that Wigan Athletic were in town and he wasn’t fit enough to take in the occasion fully. But friends around us confirmed that in their opinion he was 100 per cent better than the last time they had seen him in Wigan two or three years previously.

Things like that mean a lot to Sheila and myself, and in some small way justify our decision to remain in Wales for the time being. Remind me again what the alternative would have been on that day had we stayed in Wigan four years previously?

That’s right, he would have been bedbound staring at four walls instead of taking in a game of football between his two “local” teams, who incidentally were meeting for the first ever time in both clubs’ histories. Football has given my son a purpose and the game is a big part of his life. I support both clubs, but of course my first and true love is Wigan Athletic and I regularly make 250-mile round trips for home games, but if a home fixture clashes with a Colwyn Bay fixture, and Anthony is able to attend the Bay game, I will stay in Wales.

So even after all that my family has been through football is crucial. Indeed, football is my religion. I believe far more in a 9-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur (of all teams, given after what our family has suffered following that game against them in April 2007) than the workings of any “god”. Football and the supporters of this great game have given my family more hope, love, soul and inspiration than the workings of any “god”. Football is real. More real than the workings of any “god”.

Bill Shankly was wrong you know, when he said “Football is not a matter of life and death, it is much more important than that”. If it was possible for me to meet the great man now I would tell him how wrong he really was and that he needed to utter just two of those words: “Football matters.”

The football questions and answers will appear here tomorrow – ps can now be seen by clicking anywhere in this sentence …

Nick Bylund, left in picture

Football’s back; we play Fulham on Saturday and urgently need a win. They need one, too. And where would you go to find the co-founder of the fan site that claims to be Fulham’s biggest? You guessed it: an island in the Baltic Sea. Nick Bylund* helped to create www.hammyend.com. He is also chairman of the Swedish branch of the Fulham supporters’ association. And he turns out to have deep knowledge of his adopted club, qualified admiration for al Fayed, tainted affection for Steeeeeeeeed and, well, lots more to say for himself … he predicts another draw

Salut! Sunderland: Fulham and Sunderland find themselves at the wrong end of the table. Is it too early for either club to worry or is this an indication of a tough second half of the season to come?

I personally think it is way too early to worry, at least for Fulham. My insight and knowledge about the Mackems this season is too limited to really pass any judgment. As for Fulham we have a quite small, but very vocal group that I like to refer to as the “anti-Jol-brigade”, but most of us see improvements under Jol and are willing to give him quite a lot of time still.

We’ve played well in many games, were we have deserved a lot more than we got from them. The second half’s versus Everton, Man C and Spurs were all fantastic and we played them off the pitch. Still, we only got one point from those three games so it is quite worrying that we can play so well, create so many chances but still fail to score.

In conclusion, I think we’ll turn this around sooner rather than later.

What is the story behind your support from far away for a relatively unfashionable London club?

Unfashionable?! Say what? Nah, I know what you mean and it is a question I get a lot, especially from the hordes of glory hunters we have over here. Been following Fulham since the mid-90s just before the al Fayed era started and the main reason I fell for Fulham was Craven Cottage, this magical place for football.

At the time I was doing my management internship with Hilton, in Portsmouth (of all places) and went to all Pompey games home and away. Still, they never felt like my team but I obviously needed my football fix. Can’t remember the exact game but I think Pompey was bound to play Reading away at old Elm Park. The game got called off due to a blizzard, but someone realized that Craven Cottage had under-soil heating and suggested that we’d go there. About 400 of us agreed and we went towards London. When walking through Bishops Park, seeing the floodlights through the blizzard and finally the façade of the Stevenage Road stand (today the Johnny Haynes stand) I thought to myself that this is the way I want to watch my football.

The rest is, as they say, history!

You have had a number of managers in recent times, Is Martin Jol, despite your current position in the Premier, the man to take you forward or do you wish you still had one of the six other bosses – Bracewell, Tigana, Coleman, Sanchez, Hodgson or Hughes – who have been in charge since 2000?

I sometimes miss Hodgson for what he achived and his perfect manners and I finally warmed to Hughes after a rocky start last season but the way he left us shows what kind of person he is. Furthermore I also miss the football we played under Tigana. But do I want them back? NO!

I wanted Jol to take charge already last year when Ajax blocked his move to us, and is still really pleased we got him when Hughes walked out. Looking at the signings so far and the way he wants the game to be played I’m convinced he’s the man for us!

What is your assessment of Mohamed al Fayed’s role – and money – at the club?

The man is a true legend! He comes across as a mad man sometimes but he’s OUR mad man and most fans really like him and appreciate what he’s done for us. The only time he’s really f***ed up was when he decided that Craven Cottage was a good place for a statue to someone who had been accused (and cleared – ed) of paedophilia.

In terms of his money, we haven’t really seen much of it since we got promoted to the top flight, he did however gave us huge funds during our rise through the leagues in the late 90s and we still have a huge depts. to him, interest free mind you.

Sometimes I worry what will happen when he’s no longer with us, he’s not getting any younger.

So you weren’t too impressed by his decision to erect a Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage, telling fans they could “go to hell” if they disapproved?

That was outrageous and truly p***ed many of us off. I still think the idea of painting the statue in a Chelsea replica top and let him “swim with the fishes” in the Thames is a great idea.

Do you have any thoughts on the various players and staff linked with both of our clubs: Bracewell, Lee Clark, Andy Melville, Dickson Etuhu, David Healy and in particular Steed Malbranque (I am sure to have overlooked other key names)?

Lee Clark is one of my all-time favorites at Fulham, and from what I understand he’s well liked in the north east as well. With regards to Bracewell I, funnily enough, don’t have an opinion about the man except that he might have been coaching the most boring to watch Fulham sides during my time following the club.

Melville and Etuhu are the same breed. Likeable guys, but with below par footballing skills for the premiership, on a good day they can/could both be fantastic though.

David Healy, poor fella! After doing amazing things for Northern Ireland I think the expectations we had on him were too great and in a sense unfair. Always enjoyed seeing him play as no matter how poor game he was having he just kept on running his socks off.

Steeeeeeeeeeeeed! Loved the player he used to be, one of the best midfielders I’ve seen at the club, but his personality and the way he behaved before leaving for Spurs tainted my image of him.

Do you have any memories – good, bad or amusing – of previous games between Sunderland and Fulham?

None come to mind sadly, but that might have to do with the fact that I’ve only seen us play on telly so far. Out of all team in the Premiership Sunderland and Norwich are the only two clubs I’ve never seen play against us.

What does the name Johnny Haynes mean to you and which players are the finest you have seen – or wished you had seen – in Fulham colours?

I’m a bit too young for having any memories from his playing career, but based on what I’ve been told, have read and seen on old footage he was truly an amazing footballer and a true gentleman. I’m of course proud that such a player will always be remembered closely with our club and the looking up at the statue of him on my walks to the Hammersmith End makes me feel good.

The finest/best player I’ve seen play for the Whites must be one of our current players – Brede Hangeland!

The one I wish to have seen at the club is, being Swedish and all, a player you most likely never heard of. Mr. Sten-Ove “Putte” Ramberg. My boyhood hero!

Can you think of anyone who should never have been allowed to wear those colours?

Not really! Of course we’ve had our fair numbers of donkeys at Fulham, but haven’t really disliked many players on a personal level.

Living far away, do you feel part of the rivalries with neighboring London clubs, Chelsea or of course QPR?

I do! Not maybe in the sense of the lads who grew up locally and went to school with both sets of fans. I do hate the arrogance shown by many QP-hahas and the Dark Side up the road, but also appreciate the fact that the rivalry is “good” thing as it creates amazing games and build ups.

Last year on my way to Stamford Bridge I actually got hit by a middle aged Chelsea fan so I have first had experience of feelings going overboard on a SW6 derby day.

Name this season’s top four, in order. Who will go down?

Man U

Man C

Chelsea

Spurs

Relegation; Wigan, Bolton and Wolves (I hope).

If Sunderland and/or Fulham appear in neither list, where will each club finish?

I’d say both clubs will finish 8-12, and hopefully we get the lesser number!

This was the Eduardo Question, after his dive vs Celtic, and became the Walcott Question after he publicly admitted diving and apologised for it. It is now the Barton Question (think back to Newcastle v Arsenal). That covers diving and feigning injury; what form of cheating most annoys you and what would you do to stamp it out?

All cheating p***es me off; it is supposed to be a gentleman’s game played by gentlemen (supported by thugs?). I’d like to see the FA reviewing all games and punish any broken rule in retrospect. It would probably mean that we’d have loads of suspended players initially, but over time it would force all players to watch their behavior, no matter if the ref is watching. This will of course never happen as FA are clueless in all matters football!

What single step should football authorities, internationally or nationally or at club level, take to improve the game or the supporters’ experience of it?

The first thing is to add a ref, or change the job description for the 4th official to be watching the games from the stands and be able to rewind the tape to swiftly give the ref accurate information. As Fifa/Uefa refuse to try out goal line technology we need a way to make sure all decisions around the goal mouth are correct!

How will you follow the Sunderland v Fulham game and what will be the result?

As all games from the EPL are televised over here I’ll either watch it at home or down the pub. I think we’ll see a draw, let’s say two all.

Niclas Bylund on Niclas Bylund : I’m a football mad guy in my very late 30s of Swedish decent. Having lived all over Europe, including about five years in the UK, but now based back in Sweden again at the beautiful island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea. Been following Fulham since the mid-90s and was a founding member of the supporters club FFC Sweden, currently the president of FFC Sweden.

I’m also the co-founder of the largest Fulham blog on the web www.HammyEnd.com

Interview: Colin Randall

Whenever M Salut has been to Old Trafford, it has been to see Sunderland lose, from hidings in the league to that dreadful surrender to Millwall in an FA Cup semi. Pete Sixsmith, who was there when we last won a game an awful long time ago, has urged a bold approach tomorrow; others, at the Blackcats list, have done the same – even though the risk of another of those hidings would rise accordingly.

A slight technical hitch affected access to the site earlier this week so I have decided to repeat a few of the questions and answers – those relating to our club as opposed to his – from the “Who are You?” feature in which a Canadian United fan, David Tack, predicted a 2-0 victory for the Red Devils. Sadly, some SAFC supporters would probably take that margin of defeat now. It is up to the Lads, whatever formation and tactics Steve Bruce chooses, to show that is an unduly negative outlook … if you wish to see David’s answers in full, including his intersting thoughts on Sir Alex, the thrashing by City and football cheats and role models, click here …

Salut! Sunderland:Any knowledge or impressions of Sunderland: the club, its fans, the region?

I’m fortunate to have a rabid Sunderland fan here in the office (Jeremy Robson) so I’ve gotten a sense of the Sunderland passion and traditions. I think Sunderland is a wonderful club with outstanding fans and 130 years of history. Your fans are known for their faithful, passionate, and loud support. With the Tyne-Wear Derby to fire up the passions, what more could you ask for.

Roy Keane, Phil Bardsley, Danny Welbeck, Dwight Yorke, O’Shea and Brown, Jonny Evans, and of course Steve Bruce plus many more … any thought son the player/staff links between our two clubs?

Sunderland has provided a graceful trajectory to retirement for many Manchester United alumni. Not hospice care by any means but a nice retirement job none-the-less. Fortunately, our former players who take on manager roles at Sunderland seem to forget everything they learned at United. (Jeremy: Sorry, we Canadians can’t resist a little trash-talking; we also say “sorry” a lot.) To be fair, we owe Sunderland a great debt in their development of Danny Welbeck. His loan to Sunderland was the making of him and he was well supported by Steve Bruce and the fans.

Will Danny Welbeck be a great United striker, if he is not already?

I think Danny Welbeck is emerging as a great striker. He’s growing into his full size, learning his craft, and gaining in confidence. I think we will see his full abilities in a couple of years when his football begins to mature; at 20 he is only beginning the journey with lots of potential.

How will you follow our game and what will be the score?

I will be glued to my television set to watch Manchester United 2 – Sunderland 0. I don’t fancy your chances at Old Trafford, eh.

David, with son, at Old Trafford

* David Tack on David Tack: I’m the vice-president of operations for a medium-sized human factors consultancy. I have four children who all played youth football and both my wife and I play recreationally. She was born in Liverpool and remains an avid supporter so the Liverpool v Manchester United games are a tense affair in our house. I am the deputy chairman of our local city club (Guelph Soccer) and I have coached youth soccer for more than a decade at the city competitive level.

I have been a Manchester United supporter for about 11 years. My reasons back then for choosing United as my team were based purely on pragmatism, even back then Manchester United was guaranteed to have a lot of television coverage and you wanted to be able to watch the team you support. Now we can watch all Premier League games and many Championship games on television but Manchester United remains my team now and forever.

Interview: Colin Randall

David, with son, at Old Trafford

Canadian, married to a Liverpudlian whose heart lies at Anfield and working with a diehard Mackem, David Tack* really ought to reconsider his allegiance. But it’s Manchester United for him and he’s as avid from afar as anyone whose journey to Old Trafford can be made on foot. I make no comment about the thought process that inspired his choice of club and his answers to Salut! Sunderland reveal a thinking man’s approach to sport. Sadly, for us, he sees Saturday’s game going to script …

Salut! Sunderland: If I wasn’t sure where to start, I am now: which Old Trafford goal feast do you want to talk about, the one against Arsenal or the six Man City put past you?

Neither and both I suppose. While I did enjoy seeing the Gooners get a spanking, I was certainly gutted by our spanking from City. Overall, I don’t think either result was good for the league. Games among the top teams in the division should be fierce and closely contested affairs. When they become blowouts I feel a bit cheated by having not seen a great competition among the best teams in the best league in the world.

After years, decades even, of being able to laugh at City, they are now – if only for now – top dogs in Manchester. Is that good for the game or just a source of deep pain for United supporters?

Anything that makes the PL more competitive and less predictable is good for the league, the teams, and the supporters. The Manchester Derby has tended to be a bit of a limp, predictable affair in the past and now it has become a fierce nail-biter; how great is that! Now I have another team to hate besides Chelsea; how great is that! Besides, we’ll still see them finish as a bridesmaid at the end of the season; priceless!!

We wonder each year whether it will be Sir Alex’s final season. Have we reached that point now and how do you assess his reign?

For me, Sir Alex is a truly amazing manager and one of a kind. When you think back on his 25 years you realize that he has repeatedly adapted to an evolving game and continued to create a new dynasty of players every 7-8 years. Apart from his remarkable ability to spot and develop new talent he also knows when to move players on when they are past their best. When you look at the modern game you have to marvel at his ability to manage his squad through so many different cup runs all at the same time without breaking stride. All United supporters want him to reign for many more years and rue the day when he finally steps down.

Would you welcome a City-style takeover bid – Qatar is always being rumoured as interested – to bring massive new investment to the club?

The Glazers are tight-fisted with their money and treat Manchester United as a business. That is the way of North American owners and, frankly, you can’t argue with the results. Everyone wants to see heavy spending on big star players but no one wants to see their club’s debt get out of hand. The Glazers have done some financial restructuring to manage the debt so I’m not concerned and I’m sure we will be fine under the new “fair play” rules. Magical new billionaire owners that will shower wealth on the club is always a compelling idea but the reality never lives up to the promise.

Is it exhilarating or occasionally a bore to go into every game,home or away, expecting to win? What were you own minimum and maximum expectations for this season?

It’s always exhilarating. Manchester United are a giant with a big target on its chest. Every team they play gets up for the game and brings their best so every game has the potential to be exciting. United also play some beautiful football so it’s never a bore. As a minimum I expect them to win the Premier League; as a maximum I expect us to win the Champions League.

What is your assessment of the stick United often get for being more corporate global brand than proper football club?

Anyone who says that Manchester United are not a proper football club doesn’t understand the game at the highest levels. I would agree that they are not a proper “county” football club but they are a proper international club that plays consistently at a global level of competition. At that level, global branding and marketing is inevitable and necessary.

Any knowledge or impressions of Sunderland: the club, its fans, the region?

I’m fortunate to have a rabid Sunderland fan here in the office (Jeremy Robson) so I’ve gotten a sense of the Sunderland passion and traditions. I think Sunderland is a wonderful club with outstanding fans and 130 years of history. Your fans are known for their faithful, passionate, and loud support. With the Tyne-Wear Derby to fire up the passions, what more could you ask for.

Roy Keane, Phil Bardsley, Danny Welbeck, Dwight Yorke, O’Shea and Brown, Jonny Evans, and of course Steve Bruce plus many more … any thought son the player/staff links between our two clubs?

Sunderland has provided a graceful trajectory to retirement for many Manchester United alumni. Not hospice care by any means but a nice retirement job none-the-less. Fortunately, our former players who take on manager roles at Sunderland seem to forget everything they learned at United. (Jeremy: Sorry, we Canadians can’t resist a little trash-talking; we also say “sorry” a lot.) To be fair, we owe Sunderland a great debt in their development of Danny Welbeck. His loan to Sunderland was the making of him and he was well supported by Steve Bruce and the fans.

Who is the greatest player you have seen or would have wished to see in United colours and who should have been allowed nowhere near them?

There are many players that have provided a season or two of greatness at United but only a few that have provided a long career of loyal greatness. For me, Giggs or Scholes fit that bill with many, many years of continuous excellence, development of young players, role models on the field, and continued involvement off the pitch for the club they love. That is greatness. There is also a long list of players that should never have been allowed to wear the jersey but a wealthy club can afford to get it wrong every once in a while. I suppose one great player that I think should never have come to United is Berbatov. He is a remarkably talented and skilled player but his skills have always been a poor match for United’s fast-break, counter-attacking style of play. He’s good to have around as a utility player for the right type of opposition but I think he is wasting his career with us.

And what are you own highs and lows of supporting United?

Winning the Champions League against Chelsea in Moscow was a definite high. Watching John Terry lose it for Chelsea with a massive ass-plant during his penalty shot was icing on the cake – I still giggle when I think about it. The biggest low for me was our Champions League loss against Barcelona last year. We looked second-class and that hurt.

Living in Canada, do you have to settle for always seeing them on the TV or do you get over for games from time to time? To what lengths do you go to see them when they are on the box?

I have been to Old Trafford to watch a great game against Arsenal and I’ve seen them on tour in North America in the summers. For the most part we watch them on TV, in the pub, or livestream through the web; either way we never miss seeing them play. My wife and I plan to head over for a game in the spring – can’t wait!

Image: addick-tedKevin

Will Danny Welbeck be a great United striker, if he is not already?

I think Danny Welbeck is emerging as a great striker. He’s growing into his full size, learning his craft, and gaining in confidence. I think we will see his full abilities in a couple of years when his football begins to mature; at 20 he is only beginning the journey with lots of potential.

I believe you are involved in coaching young players. What is your view on the responsibilities of top, high-earning footballers towards the young boys (and girls) who see them as role models and idols?

I think all players have a huge responsibility to the fans who pay their wages and the youth that model their play and their behavior after them. Bad behaviour among top footballers can be modelled by young players and reduce the quality of the youth game. For example, abusive behavior against referees is commonplace in the Premiership so young players think it’s ok to treat youth referees in the same manner. As a result, we have a huge problem keeping youth referees in the game; no youth referees equates to no youth soccer. Same with diving and faking injuries, and other nonsense that is common in our game. In the end it all reduces the quality of the game we love and it all starts with the behaviour and professionalism of the top footballers.

This was the Eduardo Question, after his dive vs Celtic, and then the Walcott Question after he owned up to diving. Now it is the Barton Question. That covers diving and feigning injury but what form of cheating most angers you and what should be done about it, of it is not already too late?

Faking injury to draw a foul, a card, or a sending off is criminal in my books. It’s unsportsmanlike, it’s unprofessional, it’s unmanly, and totally unacceptable. We are a hockey culture here in Canada where faking injury is unheard-of. If you are flopping and rolling around on the ground in our sports there had better be a bone sticking through the skin somewhere. If you are suspected of faking an injury you will get a beating sufficient to discourage you from trying it on again. I think players with questionable injuries should be held off the field for longer to discourage the ploy but, frankly, I think it is up to the fans to register their dissatisfaction with any player that does it. It disrespects the game, and the players that do it disrespect their club and their fans.

Club versus country: who comes first for you and why?

For me it’s simple. I’m Canadian not English so it’s always club over country for me. Being a former colony doesn’t count for much there…. J

Who will finish top four, in order, in the Premier, who will go down?

I think the Premier League will finish Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham. I think Blackburn, Wolves, and Wigan will drop.

How will you follow our game and what will be the score?

I will be glued to my television set to watch Manchester United 2 – Sunderland 0. I don’t fancy your chances at Old Trafford, eh.

* David Tack on David Tack: I’m the vice-president of operations for a medium-sized human factors consultancy. I have four children who all played youth football and both my wife and I play recreationally. She was born in Liverpool and remains an avid supporter so the Liverpool v Manchester United games are a tense affair in our house. I am the deputy chairman of our local city club (Guelph Soccer) and I have coached youth soccer for more than a decade at the city competitive level.

I have been a Manchester United supporter for about 11 years. My reasons back then for choosing United as my team were based purely on pragmatism, even back then Manchester United was guaranteed to have a lot of television coverage and you wanted to be able to watch the team you support. Now we can watch all Premier League games and many Championship games on television but Manchester United remains my team now and forever.

Interview: Colin Randall

For Methodists, the Rev Leo Osborn* is, as President of the Methodist Conference, roughly equivalent to Archbishop of Canterbury (though the church has no supreme authority). He lives in the North East but avidly supports Aston Villa, our opponents on Saturday. Leo may have regretted his instant agreement to be this week’s “Who are You?” guest when he saw how many questions we’d lobbed his way. We’re chuffed that he answered them anyway. Look out for his forecast of a Sunderland win and a challenge to Bill Shankly’s “life or death” quotation …

Salut! Sunderland: Up until last weekend, Villa had made a considerably better start than Sunderland. With what minimum and maximum expectations did you approach the season?

To be honest my expectations were extremely few. That is often how I feel at the beginning of each season anyway but, for reasons to which we will come, they were even less this season. Mid-table at best.

You are a Brummie living in a region where football passions run high. Have you developed soft spots for any of the North-eastern clubs?

Yes – 44 of them in the Northern League where I serve as Chaplain. Are there any others? Oh yes. Berwick Rangers!!

And of course, you’ll have heard all the complaints about Darren Bent’s apparent eagerness to get away so soon after he had professed complete loyalty to club and region. What did you make of that saga and has he, in the event, been worth the money?

Villa have mostly been at the other end of players leaving to “further their ambitions” eg Ashley Young, James Milner, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing and many more before that. Its interesting that Young and Milner’s transfers have been generally accepted as furthering ambitions, Barry’s and Downing’s less so, not least when at the time the moves seemed to be side-ways at best and have more of a financial motive than anything lese. Darren Bent? Compared to some other transfers we got him cheap and without him I’d be writing this article on Doncaster’s web-site instead! But moving from Sunderland to Villa to “further ambitions”? Hardly especially as most of his England team mates have left!

Image: Wonker

Tell me what Aston Villa means to you and whether and, if so, how you feel it has remained a proper club with proper supporters despite all the money that now swirls around the upper levels of the game.

I first watched Villa in 1959 having discovered at the age of 7 that they were formed out of a Methodist Church two miles from where I lived! So it was more than football that hooked me. Having seen them play nearly 1000 times at 60 league grounds you could say Villa are in my blood! I think in some ways Villa have kept true to their traditions – a low-profile owner, a reputation for not tapping players up (apparently!!) but realistically its all about money and success these days and despite all the jealousy associated with Man C. most Villa fans would say “yes please!”

Your duties as President of the Methodist Conference, and your geographical location, must make it difficult to be an active Villa supporter. How do you follow the club and how does this compare with the nature of your support in the past?

I haven’t lived nearer than 3½ hours away from Villa Park for 15 years now so visits are few and far between as rarely do I have a completely free Saturday so I have to content myself with games at St James, Stadium of Light, Riverside etc. When I was in my late teens I would have been mortified to miss any games home or away but have made a conscious decision that my faith and vocation should always come before my football and don’t regret that for one minute. So I make do with a subscription to the Villa programme and the fanzine Heroes and Villans and get depressed watching Football First on Sky and talking to fellow suffers!

Martin O’Neill is mentioned whenever there is talk of changes in club managership, though less so when the club in question is one of the big four or five. What is your assessment of his abilities and , in particular, what he achieved at Villa Park?

I think Martin O’Neill did an excellent job at Villa but with limited resources (although not as limited as he made out) probably took the club as far as he could. But there is no doubt he left us in the lurch and in a mess and its interesting that seemingly clubs are not queuing up to appoint him.

And what do you think about Steve Bruce, a former Blues manager of course, and the difficulties in which he has found himself?

He’s clearly having a tough time and I think being judged unfairly and prematurely. Realistically a top ten finish for Sunderland would constitute a very good season and I wouldn’t rule that out yet. Incidentally the fact that Bruce managed Birmingham is outweighed in our house by him scoring the goal that took my wife’s beloved Canaries to Wembley so he’ll always be a hero to one of us!

What are the highlights of your experience as a Villa supporter, and which moments would you prefer to forget?

The obvious answer – Rotterdam 1982! I think I always knew even then that it would never get any better than this! And it hasn’t! And yes I was there! The pre- Docherty days of the late 60s were pretty grim but with crowds of under 10,000 at least you felt you were wanted/needed! But it actually began to get better when we were relegated twice!

Image: Ben Sutherland

Who is best player you have seen, or would like to have seen, in Villa colours and, putting aside notions of goodwill top all men, are there any you feel should have been allowed nowhere near them?

Paul Mcgrath took some beating and Jerry Hitchins from a previous era but if only Brian Little hadn’t have got injured . . . . . We never seem to have bought decent players from overseas though. Two of them cost astronomical sums but never played once for us. Rumour has it that we were duped! Some would also say that signing Tony Cascarino and Emile Heskey cost us two championships!!

What are your thoughts on Sunderland: club, current and past players and supporters?

Sunderland’s fans – like Villa’s – seem both incredibly loyal and incredibly fickle at the same time! I suspect that both our expectations are still too high. But I’ve always found Sunderland fans to be knowledgeable and friendly – except for one who bashed me over the head once when I was sitting in the main stand with a Sunderland season ticket holder minding my own business! Mind you it was a wonder the same thing didn’t happen when I visited the main reception at The Stadium of Light recently looked at the “famous picture” and said: “Great you’ve got a picture of Aston Villa here but who are the other team”?!

Image: Ben Sutherland

Does the tendency among many supporters, no matter what their allegiance, to treat football as akin to religion anger, disappoint or fail to trouble you?

I think saddens me more than anything because Bill Shankley was wrong. Football is less important than life and death and anything that obscures that so that we avoid asking questions that really matter about why we are here and what life really is about and where God fits in means in my view football has become a drug that diminishes rather than enhances life.

Is there something purer about non-league football – remembering that your function include the chaplaincy of the Northern League – and are there any lessons the top-flight game could usefully draw from this?

I’m not sure about purer – the foul language at non-league games particularly among players is just as bad and can more easily be heard (despite the efforts of the Northern League to stamp it out) but I think fans are valued more, can enjoy the conversation with visiting supporters without fearing for their lives, can enjoy the game, the programme and a pint or two for under a tenner and be home just after 5pm! Premier League Clubs don’t yet seem to have woken up to the fact we’re in a severe recession and if they’re not careful will price themselves out of the market. Less than 35,000 for Villa’s games against Wolves and WBA – the only people surprised were the club themselves!

Who will finish as this season’s Premier top four, in order, who will go down and who will win the major trophies?

1) Man U 2) Man C 3) Chelsea 4) Liverpool – although Sunday’s results were interesting! 18) Wolves 19) Wigan 20) Blackburn – FA Cup Arsenal. Carling Cup – Liverpool.

If Sunderland or Villa did not figure in either your top four or relegated three, where do you feel each club will end the season?

Villa 13th, Sunderland 14th. Goal difference to decide!

How strongly do you feel the Villa v Birmingham rivalry?

Perhaps less so than when I lived in Birmingham. For me now its more important that Villa beat Magpies and Mackems! The Alex McLeish saga has been interesting though!

This was the Eduardo Question and then became the Walcott Question (in Theo’s case a recognition of his honesty in admitting he’d dived in the hope of winning a penalty) and is now the Barton Question; that covers diving and feigning injury, but what form of cheating in football most annoys you and what would you do to stamp it out?

Aggressively surrounding the referee after he’s made a decision. It’s cheating because although of course he’s not going to change that particular decision the intention is that he might give the next in their favour regardless. I’d whip out the yellow card as soon as it started.

And what one step should Aston Villa or the football authorities take to improve the lot of ordinary supporters?

Provide more leg-room! Sunderland supporters at Brighton recently can’t help but have been impressed.

Most respondents in these questionnaires put their clubs before country, in sporting terms. Would you share that sense of priorities?

Yes I’m afraid I’m club before country too! I only tend to watch England’s games when there is a Villa player on show! Mind you if England were good to watch that would help!

Will you be at our game and what will be the score?

Sadly I can’t be at Saturday’s game as I’m on my Presidential travels in East Anglia. An excellent win and performance by Sunderland at Bolton – a dire performance and result by Villa against WBA. Players injured, suspended, on drink/drive charges and general feeling of gloom and despondency in B6. 2-0 to the home side – and don’t expect to be too richly entertained! Glad I’ll be many miles away at 4.45pm!

* The Rev Leo Osborn on Leo Osborn: I’m 59, President of the Methodist Conference for one year and Chair of the Newcastle upon Tyne District of the Methodist Church for past 10 years. A bit like an Archbishop and Bishop! Married to Charlotte for 34 years who serves as Chaplain at Newcastle International Airport.

Interview: Colin Randall

* Show the world your support for our club – and this site – by clicking here to visit the Salut! Sunderland Shop for mugs, t-shirts, pens and bags …

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Bolton v SAFC. Salut! Sunderland is – or will soon be – on the road (Orkney to Co Durham, the shores of the Med to a chillier London) and may go quiet for a day or two. Readers’ comments remain welcome; we all know what is at stake. Thefreelancer* is the pseudonym of a Bolton blogger – check out the Bolton Wanderers Blog and Website – who also recognises an important game when he sees one coming. Here are his answers to the “Who are You” questionnaire …

Walloped 5-0 in the FA Cup semi at Wembley last season, and 5-1 at home by Chelsea the other weekend but 4-0 winners at QPR. When the real Bolton Wanderers stand up, what do we actually see?

I don’t think any Bolton fan currently knows who the real Bolton Wanderers are, unless they are prepared to admit that we are nothing but a bottom of the league team with little chance of finishing above 18th. For those of us with a little bit of hope in us, I think we believe that there is a decent bunch of players in there who, given the correct formation and a good kick up the backside, could drag us out of the mire within a few weeks. However, that could prove easier said than done. We have conceded 21 goals in our last six league games and we look clueless going forward much of the time – a deadly combination if ever there was one.

And is Owen Coyle the man to get you away from the bottom and up to a decent position, giving that you looked for much of last season like finishing in the top half only to fall away towards the end?

The jury is still out. We were having a great ride last season for a while with Coyle but then things started to go downhill. It’s when things start to go wrong that your team and your manager need to show what they have got, and so far the signs have not been too promising. Don’t get me wrong I think I still see more promise in Coyle than I ever did with Megson, despite us currently sitting at the bottom of the pile. At least Coyle seems to have a desire to win and a certain belief, something which we never really had with Megson. The biggest problem with Owen Coyle seems to be the lack of a plan B, an accusation levelled at him even during his Burnley stint. For example, he continues to employ Paul Robinson, probably the slowest person on earth, at left back up against the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Nani and thinks we can get away with it. We get opened up down that side week after week and yet the hole is never plugged – even though we have the lightening quick Ricky Gardner who could play there. The problems run deeper than that but we will be here all day. I think the next three games will be crucial for Bolton fans and, if Coyle continues to make the same basic errors, which everyone else seem to be able to see, the fans could start to become restless.

Bolton and Sunderland have similarities: we were the only club never to have played outside the top flight until 1958, you’ve been there for 70+ seasons (not consecutive) but you’ve never won it and we haven’t since 1935. Are we now both just scrapping for “honours” in the middle and lower bits of the Premier?

Yes. It is sad but true. I don’t see Bolton or Sunderland ever winning or even coming close to winning the Premier League in it’s current format. The only way we could really compete is if there were massive changes brought about to level the playing field, so to speak, perhaps the way they do in America for certain leagues where they have a salary cap of about $3 million for an entire teams annual wage bill.

It follows on from there: do you resent the money sloshing around at the top end of the game or just wish Wanderers could get their hands on some of it?

Yes and no. I enjoy us being the underdog to a certain extent and I think pumping tonnes of money into the club would take some of that away. It would be nice sometimes if our board could come out and persuade some of the big players to come to us but overall I don’t like the amount of money in football. I have a fantasy that all money available for a football club to spend on transfers and wages should come directly from within the game (as in from what a club earns through sponsorships, sales, tickets etc) rather than outside investors using clubs as billionaire’s toys.

Charlie Hurley and Colin Todd spring to mind as men who have served both clubs; El Hadji Diouf is one we’d sooner forget, Any thoughts on player/manager links between Bolton and Sunderland?

El Hadji Diouf was a character. And Colin Todd, I thought, was a great manager for Bolton – we saw some great times under him. Not much of a link but didn’t Sam Allardyce once play for Sunderland?
I know Diouf didn’t really do the business for Sunderland but if he still has anything in his locker I think Bolton could do with his type in our team at the moment. I think he did ok at Rangers last season.

Any good, bad or amusing memories of past encounters between us?

I remember losing to Sunderland on the opening day of the season a couple of years ago. That set the tone for our season and was the first nail in our previous manager’s coffin. For that, I thank you.

What have been your highs and lows as a Wanderers supporter? Did you ever meet Nat Lofthouse?

I never met Nat Lofthouse no. Unless you mean the lion that walks round the pitch clapping his hands? Biggest high for me as a Bolton fan was winning 4-3 against Reading in the 1995 Play Off Final at Wembley. We came back from 2-0 down and ended up winning 4-3. The difference between those times and now was that we went into every game expecting a win no matter who we were playing. Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd – we had a go at all of them when we first made it into the Premier League. Now we seem to go out of games with little more than a whimper.
Some of the lowest points in my career as a Wanderers fan had to be during the infamous Megson era. We played some of the worst football I have ever witnessed from any team in any division. Even though we stayed up (in the Prem) it was far more sickening to watch us play during that period than it was even in the relegation seasons that went before it.

What do you make of Steve Bruce? I imagine that being a former Man Utd stalwart doesn’t endear him to you but does the uncertainty about his future, and the growing criticism of him by supporters, surprise you?

S

teve Bruce? Is he the pigeon woman out of Home Alone 2?

To be honest I consider myself a modern Bolton Wanderers fan and don’t base my opinion of a manager on a Neanderthalic hatred of a club he once played for. At times Steve Bruce impresses me, or he has done in recent seasons. Recently, though, many Sunderland fans seem to be on his back and unhappy with the way the team are performing. I know that feeling well although, as an outsider, it is easy to think “what’s all the fuss about”? I think, like for Bolton, the next three games could be critical in deciding Bruce’s future.

Tell me about the antipathy between yourselves and United. I’d bet you see plenty of there tops being worn around Bolton.

I think the days are gone where one would be afraid to walk down the street in town wearing the wrong club shirt. Sometimes, as a Bolton fan, it can be frustrating to see young kids becoming glory supporters instead of supporting their local side. The thing is, we are now so used to it that it no longer registers on the radar. I don’t think I hate Man United the way some Wanderers fans seem to but I do harbour a dislike of them in some respects. Some of it rational, some not. I don’t like the way that “Fergie Time” happens, and it does actually happen – and the United fans I know personally gloat about it. We all know it goes on. Little things like that bug me more than the historical despising of everything red.

This was the Eduardo Question and then became the Walcott Question after Theo (bravely, i thought) admitted he’d dived to try to win a penalty. Now it’s the Barton Question. So we have diving and feigning injury covered, but what form of cheating do you most despise and what would you do about it?

Perhaps not cheating as much as a Respect thing. I hate players getting in the referee’s face and crowding around him. There is only one reason to do that and it is to intimidate and influence the referee (ok that is two reasons). There should be no place for that in football. As a referee myself, I would like to see a rule introduced which meant that even touching the referee, however gently, should result in a straight red card. That way there are no questions, no quibbles. It will stop players from attempting to push the boundaries. I know that is quite an extreme view but it’s just what I believe.

Club versus country. Who claims your greater allegiance and why?

Club. Every time. Why? I was going to say “because England are rubbish”, but if that were true I would not be a Bolton supporter right now either. I just don’t feel the same attraction to England, I can take it or leave it much of the time – until it get’s to a major tournament and the league season is over. Then I am an England fan as much as the next man (or woman). I still need my football fix. During the season I tend to hate International breaks because it means I don’t get to watch the Wanderers.

Name this season’s top four in order, and the bottom three and winners of the major trophies.

Bolton top – Champions. Sunderland bottom!
What? I win a prize! Ok…
Top four. Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool.
Bottom three. Wigan, Norwich, Swansea.
FA Cup. Arsenal.
League Cup. Liverpool.

Where will our two clubs finish if not already mentioned?

14th Sunderland.
15th Bolton.

What one step should BWFC or the authorities take to improve the lot of the ordinary supporter?

Ticket prices should go down. More and more people are out of work. More and more working people are being priced out of the game too. Tickets for away fans too seem to cost an absolute bomb at the moment, often upwards of £40, and when you factor in travel and a day off work it becomes an expensive affair.
Other than that, I know its a controversial subject but, standing terraces should be introduced for supporters. The atmosphere at so many modern grounds is so flat that the enjoyment of attending a game in person is being sucked out of the game. A large contributing factor to that is the all seater stadiums. You can go to a lower league club with 4,500 fans and enjoy a better atmosphere than we get at the Reebok every week. Obviously it would have to be properly ticketed and properly policed but there is no reason that the disasters of years gone by should be repeated if done right. Look at concerts and gigs where people stand for hours, people don’t get trampled when the crowd control is done properly. They have terraces all over Europe and they seem to do ok too!

Will you be at our game and what will be the score?

I will be there. I think it all depends on the team selected by Coyle. If he picks Robinson at left back again then even Sunderland with your lack of width will get some joy going forward. Also, if Zat Knight starts you might get another own goal out of him. If Coyle was to pick who I consider to be our best eleven and set us up properly I would confidently predict a Bolton win. If he picks the same core of players who have capitulated so many times already this season then we will be lucky to get a point. At this early stage and without knowing the team sheet I’ll go for safety; 2-2.

* thefreelancer on thefreeelancer: an you tell me as much as you can in a couple of paragraphs about who you are, what you do and your history of supporting Bolton?

I am a season ticket holder at the Reebok and long time fan. My favourite memories of watching Bolton were in the mid nineties when Bolton took on Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa and other higher division clubs while we were frequenting the lower leagues. We beat them all. We also went to Wembley twice in 1995 and beat Reading in the Play Off Final to reach the Premier League for the first time in my life. I now write about the Wanderers in my blog when I have the time and I also love to play football. I am currently attempting to work my way up in the refereeing world and also enjoy coaching kids football too.

Interview: Colin Randall

Well, when not bragging about the Salut! Sunderland exclusive - Sunderland, the play, wowing Parisian theatregoers – we were on a hunt for a Gooner. Piers Morgan haughtily turned us away last season, so we asked Mike Amos, Shildon lad but Arsenal nut (his dad was a Londoner, but then so was mine so he should still rethink his allegiances). Sadly Mike, newly retired from close on half a century at the Northern Echo, admitted he had lost touch a little with matters Arsenal. A case of “I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m Arsenal till half time”. Rupert and Monty were too busy finding each other (for those familiar with the Emirates public address system). So Mike’s son, Owen, a BBC journalist who doesn’t really think the Gunners will go down, stepped up from the bench …

Salut! Sunderland:
What is a Shildon lad doing supporting Arsenal?

I had no choice! My dad and his dad (from North London) were Arsenal fans and so, from birth, was I. One of my first memories is being upset because my dad wouldn’t take me to the 1987 League Cup final. I was two. Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1; my dad brought me back a flag. By the time I realised that football fans should support their local team, I was 11 or 12 and it was too late. I couldn’t have given up Arsenal even if I’d wanted to. For the past couple of years I’ve lived in North London but, with this accent, I’ll never be a native. Luckily, at Arsenal there’s not resentment of “out of town” fans like you get at Liverpool or Manchester United. Almost all Arsenal’s match-going fans are from London and the south-east so my match-going mates see me as an anomaly, rather than a symptom of diluted identity.

Do you have a soft spot for any of the North-eastern teams?

All of them, especially Hartlepool. I resented Newcastle at their Keegan-era peak – it was jealousy, I suppose – but that, like their team, has faded. Boro, Hartlepool, Darlo, and Gateshead are the first results I look for outside the Premier League. I have good memories of Boro’s famous UEFA Cup wins – for some reason, I watched the semi-final in a pub in Hull and I was jumping up and down like a lunatic when they scored the winner. I hope Sunderland play in Europe soon.

Arsenal, like SAFC, have had a poor start to the season. Many would say yours was a lot less predictable – despite the high hopes with which SAFC began the season – so how on earth do you explain it and is the end nigh for Arsene?

There are so many reasons for the bad start. Our best defender (Vermaelen) and best midfielder (Wilshere) have been injured. Our second-best defender (Sagna) missed the 8-2 at Old Trafford and went off injured while we were drawing at Blackburn and Spurs. But, clearly, it’s not just injuries. Some players are nowhere near good enough or committed enough (Rosicky, Chamakh, Walcott); we can’t defend set-pieces; we can’t score from set-pieces; the formation is probably wrong (van Persie drops so deep it’s often 4-6-0); and there are no leaders. Other than that, we’re fine.
If Arsenal finish 7th or 8th and don’t win anything, Wenger might leave. But, after what he’s achieved, it should be up to him. No matter what, you can’t sack the most successful manager in the club’s history.

This question usually comes later but is promoted to third because there’s been so much focus on Arsenal’s worries: what will be this season’s PL top four, in order?

Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, and – probably – Spurs. I don’t think much of Liverpool.

If Arsenal were not in that list, how embarrassing is that for you. If they are, what will have happened to turn the season round?

It’s not embarrassing at all. No team has a right to qualify for the Champions League, especially one that has – for the past few seasons – sold their best players, and replaced them with either home-grown players, or cheapish imports. I’d say Arsenal have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League. If everyone’s fit, we’re better than Spurs. The problem is, I can’t see Vermaelen and Wilshere playing 20 games between them this season. We live in hope though.

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I think it’s depressing. Wenger called it “financial doping” and he’s right. Sport is supposed to be meritocratic and Man City have gone from nowhere to the Champions League simply because some oil-rich sheikh from the other side of the world decided to buy them. It’s unfair, and unearned. It’s cheating. Every Premier League team (including Sunderland) have benefited from investment, but City and Chelsea have no constraints. I understand City fans enjoying it, but I’m sure, for most of them, it’s a bit hollow. I’d honestly prefer Arsenal to be relegated than win the league with undeserved oil money.

Who will go down this season? Who will win the major trophies and where, if not already listed, will our two clubs finish?

I think Blackburn will finish bottom. They beat Arsenal but, until the two own goals, they were appalling. It’s probably time for Wigan, which is a shame in a way – they’ve stayed up despite losing most of their players for the past three or four years. For the third, let’s make it a Lancashire treble and say Bolton. From the few games I’ve seen, they miss Elmander. I thought he was underrated. The big three will win the cups, and Barcelona will win the Champions League. They’re by far the best time I’ve seen. They’ve re-invented tactics. I’ve only seen Sunderland on Match of the Day this year but they seem to lack a bit of creativity/class/call it what you will, especially in midfield. On the plus side, I think Bendtner will get 15 goals at least. He’s good in the air and decent on the ground. More Arsenal fans rate him than you’d think. He’s far better than Chamakh, for example. So I’ll say Sunderland will finish 13th.

Just imagine the worst possible scenario: Arsenal actually going down. How would you react, how would the Arsenal-supporting world far beyond north London react?

I could live with relegation; it would be the preceding defeats that would kill me. If Arsenal had two or three years in the Championship, the gates would probably fall to the core of 30,000 – 35,000. At least the tickets would be cheaper. Possibly. I can’t see Arsenal going down, though. I genuinely think the reserves are better than some Premier League teams.

Tell me your best and worst moments as an Arsenal supporter.

In person, my best moments were the “Ray Parlour” FA Cup final in 2002, the 2-0 win at AC Milan in 2008, and the 3-1 win at White Hart Lane in 2007. Other highlights are the 1993 FA Cup win (Andy Linighan in the last minute), the 1998 league win, and van Nistelrooy missing the penalty at Old Trafford in 2003.

As for the worst, it’s hard to beat the 4-4 draw against Newcastle last year. I was at Bedlington Terriers with my dad. They announced Newcastle’s goals over the tannoy so, when the third went in, I and most other people went in the clubhouse to watch the match on the Arab channel. It was full. When the fourth went in, about 200 people went beserk, jumping up and down, hugging, shouting. I stood in the middle, boiling with rage. I think, in hindsight, that match will be seen as the beginning of the end for Wenger. It showed everyone we were soft, and couldn’t defend. We’ve never recovered.

Who is the greatest player you have seen, or would dearly like to have seen, and who should have been allowed nowhere near Arsenal colours?

The best player was, without doubt, Thierry Henry. For two or three seasons he was by far the best player in the league. He glided past people. Didn’t he top the scorers and the assist table a couple of years running? My favourite was Tony Adams. Growing up, he personified that we’ll-show-them spirit of the George Graham era. I also loved people like Sol Campbell and Jens Lehmann, who combined skill with a determination that’s missing from half the current team.

On that theme, I’d be happy if Tomas Rosicky (he who missed the penalty at Sunderland last year) never played for Arsenal again. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him play well. He doesn’t score, doesn’t shoot, doesn’t tackle, doesn’t head. He’s hopeless. I think most Arsenal fans would far rather see someone like Henri Lansbury (on loan at West Ham) get a chance.

Any fond or less than fond memories of past encounters between Arsenal and Sunderland?

My first Arsenal match was at Roker Park – a 0-0 draw in (I think) 1991. I remember a brilliant save from David Seaman: it was flying into the corner and my seven-year-old eyes literally couldn’t believe that he stopped it. We sat at the back of one of the stands (I can’t remember which one): it was dark and wooden but I loved it. I also remember the last Arsenal game (I think) at Roker Park. It was an FA Cup replay: Bergkamp scored an amazing curler then celebrated with his hand over his mouth.

Kevin Phillips was a Gooner growing up. Did you wish in his heyday that he would join Arsenal or was he not quite good enough for you?

He was good enough, definitely. His heyday coincided with the Bergkamp/Anelka/Henry glorydays but he would have got a game, and would have scored bagfuls. I guess he would have been too expensive for Arsenal at the time. I saw him recently at Brighton, playing for Blackpool. He was class: scored the equaliser and was brilliant with his back to goal, which I hadn’t expected.

Describe your matchday experience at the Emirates by comparison with Highbury and why is the Emirates crowd so quiet?

Because the cheapest season ticket is the best part of £1,000, so the average fan is middle aged, middle class, and too sensible to sing and shout like a lunatic. I think it’s a myth that Arsenal is quieter than other grounds though – at least half Premier League grounds lack atmosphere. It’s just rows and rows of silence, punctuated by the occasional “Come on Bolton, come on Bolton,” or whatever.

I loved Highbury. If it were up to me, we’d still be there. Some things – atmosphere, history, soul – are more important than money and “matchday revenue” (a euphemism for charging more people more money). And it’s not like we did badly in the 93 years there.

This started life as the Eduardo Question – which implied shame – and then became the Walcott Question, which honoured his decision (brave, I felt) to admit he had dived for a penalty. Now it is the Barton Question (shame again): what form of cheating most annoys you and is it already too late to stamp it out?

What really, really annoys me is something you see probably 10 times a game. A full back kicks the ball out of play, appeals for the throw, and then tells the linesman to f-off when he gets the decision correct. It’s pathetic. They should be ashamed. At least with diving you’re trying to get a penalty; these blokes are debasing themselves for the sake of a poxy throw. They should be sent off every time, and it would stop.

Club versus country? Who wins that debate for you and why?

Club, without doubt. I watch 50 Arsenal games a year compared to five (or whatever) England matches, so I’m more involved. That’s not to say I’m on the “bash England” bandwagon though. I cheer them on the telly (and live, once or twice) and would love to see them win something. I might be waiting some time. I can’t see anyone beating Spain for at least another four years, apart from anything else.

Name one step Arsenal or the football authorities should take to improve the lot of the ordinary supporter.

I’d love safe standing at Premier League grounds. It would improve the atmosphere and might make tickets cheaper. I understand why Liverpool fans are against it, but standing on a terrace, with barriers in the right places, is surely less dangerous than standing in front of your seat, going flying whenever there’s a goal.

I’d also like cheaper ticket prices, although there’s nothing much the authorities could (or should) do. Sooner or later they’ll come down because people will (rightly) decide it’s too expensive. I think we’ll look back and say “People paid £40 to watch QPR v Swansea? Really?”

Will you be at our game and what will be the score?

I will be in Zurich on a football tour. I think Arsenal will win, but it will be tight. A nervy two-nil.

* Owen Amos on Owen Amos:: I’m a BBC journalist in London, mainly writing and editing the news for Radio 4. I started my career five years ago, on the Northern Echo in Darlington. I work a lot of weekends, and probably watch Arsenal eight to 10 times a season. Last season I saw eight games, of which they won none. They included the Carling Cup final, and the absurd 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool, where we took the lead in the 98th minute. I finally saw them win last month: the glorious 3-1 victory at home to Shrewsbury in the League Cup. When Shrewsbury took the lead, I was half-tempted to walk out, for the good of the team.

Interview: Colin Randall