In this new feature I plan to list a group of six Premiership managers that I wouldn’t mind going out to dinner with – decent blokes who would have stuff to say of footballing and general interest and hopefully enjoy a pint or two before the meal and a little brandy afterwards…Of course this group can change, based on their latest comments/interview, and that’s why I will also have a reserve list of eight managers, one of whom could step in if invited…The final group of six managers will really have to re-think their behaviour if they ever want to be asked along on this football and culinary feast…
Currently on the guest list are…Martin O’Neill – a good bloke to have at any dinner table, Gianfranco Zola – a lovely fella and footballing gentleman, Harry Redknapp – for a ‘bit of this and that’, Roy Keane – passionate about his football and can handle his drink, Arsene Wenger – to select the wine, and Gareth Southgate – very “nice” and ‘cos he’s my mate…
Waiting anxiously for the postman to arrive with a possible invite are…Roy Hodgson (was in the top six until his refusal to admit that A. Johnson should have been sent off this past weekend against West Ham), Steve Bruce (he’d have to accept my many comments during his years as a BlueNose etc), Scolari – must improve his English, Ferguson – must improve his English, someone from Spurs, Phil Brown – needs to stop smiling so much, David Moyes – needs to smile occasionally, and Newcastle’s latest sucker…
And these six very unlikely to get the nod…Raffa Benitez – would he say anything we could believe?, Paul Ince – boring, Gary Megson – doesn’t seem to understand the game, Mark Hughes – enough of the excuses, Tony Mowbray – Yorkshireman, Tony Pulis – can’t wear a baseball cap at dinner…
