The Big Interview

Ossie Ardiles’ football story is one of the most incredible ever told.

There’s no getting away from it, much of it was played out under a dark political cloud. Some of his friends at university in Argentina’s second city Córdoba where he was studying law were ‘disappeared’ – murdered by their own government. His father-in-law was an officer in the repressive military regime.

But there is also light – plenty of it – in this amazing journey. Ossie is one of the game’s most likeable characters, beloved by Spurs fans, and he was also a remarkable player, a skilful, artful midfield dribbler who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978.

A favourite theme of Ossie’s is good luck. In part one he tells us how he was fortunate to come from a comfortable background – although his lawyer father thought football was a waste of time! But Ossie was a tough little youngster who sought out game time in the shanty towns in order to sharpen his wits and skills. There’s also chat about his love for Pele and the 1970 Brazilian World Champions – unusual heroes for an Argentine, and how Micky Hazard was every bit a Spurs great.

You will love this Big Interview with this charming, engaging man.

Graham.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two.
Imagine being a childhood fanatic of your local team and then, as an adult, leading them out of the tunnel to glory. West Ham United captain Mark has lived this dream.
As an England under-21, Mark scored TWO penalty kicks in an epic shootout against Holland, an act of taking responsibility typical of this born guv’nor. His philosophy is to lead by example, by always giving 100%. Off the field, Mark also leads by example. An East End boy through and through, he has never forgotten where he came from, co-launching a legacy foundation centred on social housing to help his community.
You’ll also hear about the incredible night when the Hammers said goodbye to their famous Upton Park home by beating Manchester United. And how Mark was eligible to play for Ireland but because his heart was with England – and also because he didn’t want to deny an Irish kid his chance – he chose the Three Lions jersey. Which really is the mark of this noble man.
You do football proud, Mr Noble.

Steve Perryman’s autobiography A Spur Forever! is a thing of genuine beauty – as, quite frankly, is this Big Interview.

In part two, Steve addresses the myth that he kept Graeme Souness from making it at Tottenham. There’s the fact that Micky Hazard was so underrated – not least by the man himself. And there’s chat about glorious European nights at White Hart Lane (Steve won two UEFA Cups, and scored twice in a semi against AC Milan) and two famous consecutive FA Cup wins.

What was it like returning to Spurs to assist manager Ossie Ardiles, his best pal? Bloody awful is the answer; he couldn’t get over the toxic atmosphere that had poisoned his beloved club. But Steve and Ossie proved their doubters wrong when they headed off to glory in Japan.

This leader of men is also eloquent on his theory of leadership, and tells us which players in today’s Spurs side could have cut the mustard alongside Perryman, Ardiles & Co.

Thanks for the memories, Steve.

Graham

Steve Perryman’s autobiography A Spur Forever! is a thing of genuine beauty – as, quite frankly, is this Big Interview.

This classy, dynamic footballer starred in scintillating Tottenham Hotspur teams alongside greats such as Alan Gilzean, Martin Chivers, Jimmy Greaves, Alan Mullery and Ossie Ardiles.

Steve played almost his entire career at Spurs, initially under legendary manager Bill Nicholson, a man carved from Yorkshire granite. Bill Nick nurtured his players’ sheer joy for the game which he kept simple and beautiful. He was hard but fair. Steve and the players loved him, they wanted above all else to win for him.

In part one Steve also talks warmly about the brilliant coaching techniques of Nicholson’s assistant boss Eddie Baily, and about his debut against the mighty Manchester United and how he never wanted to tackle his hero Bobby Charlton.

Thanks for the chat, Steve. It was beautiful.

Graham

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with David Preece. For the first time, here’s the full episode.
If watching Neville Southall practice taught David a formidable work ethic, observing the mighty Barcelona train with Víctor Valdés in goal demonstrated what keepers can be in a total footballing side. In part two, David also praises other goalkeeping heroes: Edwin van der Sar, Gianluigi Buffon… and explains how Scotsmen Andy Goram and Jim Leighton were at one time the best if British. You’ll hear about David’s desire that the fear be taken out of football and how awful it feels for a No1 to hear the ball rustle in the net.
If you would prefer not to wait 12 months to listen to these extra interviews, it’s time to become a Socio at patreon.com/grahamhunter