Re: Manager of the month
I have actually been to one of the events where the MOTM and POTM were awarded....... early 2007 I think.
It was in a gentlemen's club in central London (near Marble Arch) and invited (apart from the Barclay's people) were the four international managers (Sanchez and Venables who was England asst manager attended) loads of journos, Frank Clark (representing the league managers assoc) Bobby Barnes from the PFA, John Motson, people from Sky, couple of other ex pros. Cant recall who.
So we have this huge 5 course meal and unlimited drinks etc all planned, and we are in one room (champagne glass in hand) with the tables in another.
Bloke comes in and says ''ok, before the food and drink we have a small matter of MOTM and POTM to sort out.'' And they read the list of names out and what the win ratio was and asked for any other nominations. Then asked for a show of hands..... most hands win! I voted for Mourinho but Bacon face won.
Same for POTM. The Lady boy won but I voted elsewhere.
That was it!
Then onto the feast..... I was sat between Frank Clark and Harry Harris!
The journos were all complaining about the Cup finals being in Cardiff and having to travel there from London (''I live 15 mins walk from Wembley'' one complained) and how the media in the 2006 world cup had to walk the last 400 yards to each stadium as their taxis were not allowed to get any nearer to the ground.....
A big box of cigars come round and I decline only to be nudged by Harris to ''take one and pass it to him....''
All the journos were pissed (as I was to be fair) and deffo faces in the trough!
After 2 champagnes, 3 pints, loads of red wine and a brandy, I departed for Euston and slept on the train all the way home!
The results were not announced until a week later. Had I known that I would have paid a visit to Bet Fred.