Q&A - Gary 'Meggy' Megson

Each week we put a top flight player or manager on the spot to find out a bit more about the nation's favourite faces. This week we speak to Gary Megson, manager of Bolton Wanderers.
I met Gary at the Premier Inn in Lancaster. He had just met the agent of Kaka to discuss the potential transfer of the Brazilian, but admitted a deal is unlikely as the Italians are looking to see Andy O'Brien go the other way. Megson quipped, "Obi is not for sale, at any price".
So time to put Megson on the spot to find out what exactly makes him tick! Good luck Meggy!


1. If you could bring anyone to Bolton, who would it be?

He doesn’t play anymore but I would love a young John Solako in my side. I was lucky enough to play against John and he was a menace!

2. Who do you look up to as your managerial idols?

Without a question, Rafa Benitez. His tactical decisions are always superb, and he deals with the media admirably.

Gary, Benitez is terrible at everything, you better not be taking the piss out of this Q&A...

3. What is your favourite part of your body?

My ears. I can hear everything. Brilliant ears I’ve got. Last week at Ewood Park I could hear Kevin Davis call Morten Gamst Pederson a nonce right over on the far touchline. I pulled him up on it. No room for that in my football clubs.

4. If you were England manager, who would you play up front?

Defoe and Nick.

Nick?

Nick Anelka, he was great for us at Wanderers.

Anelka is French Gary?

You could say that but I feel he would complement young Defoe perfectly.

You’re a idiot Gary.

5. What is your favourite food?

Quorn Sausages and Mash.

Are you vegetarian?

I don’t wish to discuss that.

6. You have failed a lot in your career Gary, notably with West Brom and Nottingham Forest. What was the worst moment of your football career so far?

When I joined Bolton the fans were horrible to me. Name calling, cake throwing, you name it they did it. I found it really hard. I remember one Sunday not long after I joined I was washing the Freelander and I broke down in tears. I went into the garage, sat on the sit down mower and sobbed for hours. I feel it has made me stronger however.

7. Who is your best friend in football?

Glenn Roeder.

He is a horrible bloke Meggy.

He is a good bloke, heart of gold. Looked after me after the West Brom Sacking.

8. Finally Gary, who do you think will win the league and who will get relegated.

I think Manchester United will win the league. They have strength. Going down I think are West Brom, Middlebrough and I would say the third place will be taken by either Hull or ourselves.

Yourselves Gary?

Yes, we are inconsistent, and will probably get dragged into it.

I can really understand why the Bolton fans don’t like you Gary. Your attitude stinks, and you are clearly a very odd man.

Thank you for taking the time to do this Q&A though. Plans for the rest of the day?

Glenn is picking me up and we are going to meet Chris Ronaldo’s representatives to see about a loan deal.

Bye Gary.

Goal of the Month - January

In true football-fan fashion we spend much of our time gushing over goals from almost every league in the world. Every month we will pick our favourite and post it up here. Goals will be selected carefully from the following criteria:

• Must be spectacular or scored following a piece of individual or team skill.
• Own goals do count.
• Goals scored by Craig Bellamy don't count.
• Opposition quality is taken into account (i.e. goals against Barca are more worthy than anything conceded by Scott Carson).

And now to kick things off - January's goal of the month - Frank Lampard V Ipswich (24/01)

If you want to suggest a goal e-mail bouncebackability@hotmail.co.uk

Mystic Wes 2

On Monday, Mystic Wes correctly predicted that Emile Heskey wouldn't play for Wigan this week. He was right - The England international made a shock appearance for the high-flying Aston Villa scoring the only goal in the game against Pompy at Fratton Park.

For the weekend Wes has predicted a score-line. He said “I reckon it will be 3v0”.

Nicky Shorey's Diary - Friday

Today has been what can only be described as a mixed bag. Much like my career I suppose. I woke up feeling the best I have ever felt I think, as I am almost certain to play against Wigan on Saturday (as a result of Stilyan's suspension) and…….. I have a date tonight!!!!

After the ice skating on Wednesday night John, Nicky and I (or Johnicky as we call ourselves when we are out collectively) went for some wedges at Pizza Hut. The waitress that served us was really nice, so I went back there last night (without the lads) for a meal. Shortly into the meal some kids started hurling abuse at me shouting things like "crap wanker" and "tit shit". Then one of the older ones (about 13 I would say) threw a piece of pizza at me. It got me right in the face. I was annoyed at first but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened as the waitress came and started talking to me. We hit it off instantly, her name is Donna and believe it or not she did not know that I am a professional footballer.

Anyway, to cut a long story short I waited for her to knock off in the car park as she had agreed to meet me there. When she came out I opened the boot of the Almera Sport a produced a crisp Nicky Shorey, 21 shirt. But instead of signing it I wrote my number on the back. Never fails.
She called about an hour later and we set up a date at Nando's, Selly Oak. I CANNOT WAIT. Stevie Sidwell will no longer be able to spread those rumours about me and Matt Upson after he heres about this.

Anyway, as I was driving to Boots earlier to pick up a new bottle of Joop Jump for the big date, I tuned into Talksport only to hear that Micah Richards has now been linked with Villa. My world, once again began to crumble. If he joins, then that’s me out of the team, probably out of the club. Micah will play at right back and Luke Young in my place. I hate him so much.
I tried not to think about it but I went into a trance of anger, and I drove through a red light, and ploughed straight into the side of a Renault Espace. The Almera is without a doubt written off. I am ok, luckily. The ambulance crew say I am in shock, but am going to have a rest. I can't miss this date, the lads would never let me hear the end of it.

Heres the damage anyway:

Nicky Shorey's Diary - Thursday

Thursday

Last night was an absolute DISASTER! I met Jon and Nicky at Planet Ice in Peterborough. Jon has just bought a 2004 Skoda Octavia, which I told him looks like a taxi. He didn’t take too kindly to that but I kept going on at him all night about it. I really like Jon – only for the fact that I can take the mick out of him, which makes me feel good for a change. He’s a big lad though – he can take it.

All was fine when we went into Planet Ice. Nicky paid me in because I’d bought his ticket last week when we went to see My Bloody Valentine 3D at the Odeon in Aylesbury. We got our skates sorted and headed for the rink, but then I heard something that made my skin crawl. That laugh. That horrible; ridiculous laugh. It was Ívar Ingimarsson – my nemesis. I was going to leave but Nicky and Jon persuaded me to stay. I’m lucky to have them as friends.

Me and Ívar haven’t seen eye to eye since the end of the 2006/07 season. We had played together all season – quite well in fact. There was always a tension though, which is understandable given that we are both exceptionally talented defenders. The trouble boiled over when he pipped me to win Reading player of the year for that season – as voted for by Reading fans. I was shell-shocked. It was at the end of season dance, held in the bar at the Toby Carvery beside the Travel Inn at Caversham Bridge on the outskirts of Reading. I’d had one too many Carlings and I called him a pretentious Icelandic nonce. He responded and we came to blows. Things were never the same for me at the club.

When I got onto the ice it took him a few minutes to recognise me. I think it was lanky Jon who gave me away, but I can’t hold it against him. “Hey there number two” he shouted. “Top of the league mate” I said to him. He didn’t understand but it was all i could think of. I wasn’t looking for a fight so I didn’t respond again. I couldn’t concentrate on my skating though and I kept falling. I felt like Cristiano Ronaldo. My left bum cheek is sore today which I‘m sure the lads will find funny at training this afternoon. I play in the Premier League now so I can’t be drawn into such petty arguments. I’ll win player of the year at Villa soon; I can feel my time is coming.

All I can focus on is the Wigan game at the weekend. Hopefully I’ll get on again. I played well on Tuesday so if I can keep it up in training today and tomorrow I’ll be a dead cert.

Nicky Shorey's Diary - Wednesday

Wednesday - The Icing on the Cake!

I am not a bitter man. Never let it be said that Nicholas Shorey will bear a grudge. After yesterday's prank at my expense I would have been expected to arrive at Fratton Park to ‘have it out’ with Moustapha (Salifou). Before entering the dressing room I took a deep breath, but my nerves were not necessary as the gaffer made every player apologise to me in person. Apparently it was a bit of a joke that got out of hand.

I was pleased that they all apologised, and Martin said he would make sure I got 5 minutes on as a personal apology from him. I couldn’t believe it. First of all I get an apology from the whole squad, including that versatile t*at Luke Young, but then I get a run out. I was amazed considering earlier that week I had overheard Martin on the phone to Thomas Gravesen saying that I was the most useless individual he had ever met. I took the positives out of that though. At least I am in his thoughts.

I hope my solid display last night will keep me in the managers mind for Saturday. Better go. Off Ice skating with Jonathan Stead and Nicky Weaver tonight so better get my skates on! LOL!!!!

Nicky x

Nicky Shorey's Diary - Monday & Tuesday

We have been blessed by luck this week - Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey has agreed to give us a unique insight into the life of a professional footballer by uploading his daily diary to the site via the WAP function on his Sony Ericsson K750i.

This just in:

Monday

I injured Nigel Reo-Coker at training yesterday. I’m not particularly proud of it but it had to be done. I’m hoping now that Young will move back to right back so I can get a run out against Pompy tonight. Plus he took the laces out of my boots before training last week so Martin made me play in my brand new Addidas Stan Smiths. I paid £45 for them and they got ruined.

I don’t think I get the credit I deserve at this club. I keep telling people how I’ve played in all four top divisions in England. I’ve played for the national team. I’ve scored 12 goals during my career which is more than double the number Gary Neville has – and he was first choice for England for over 8 years! I am experience personified. I’m better than this club and bigger than this country. I’m hoping that Real or Inter will come in for me before the end of the transfer window. I’d love to play in Spain. I went to Alicante in 1993 for two weeks. I got sunburned but I had a great time.

Tuesday

Portsmouth away today. Fratton park. Turned up at the training ground, Bodymoor Heath to get the bus. As I got on with the team I was told by Salifou that the gaffer wanted to see me in his office. After 10 minutes waiting for him I went back outside to find the bus gone and the training ground locked up. Good one lads! They know I'm good for a laugh and a joke, and yeah, it was funny. Trouble is, because the gates were now locked I couldn't get my car out so I had to jump on the train to Portsmouth.

I am optimistic that I will get a game tonight, and if I do I will be delighted. The chance to play one on one against the world class Jermaine Pennant (who is wanted by Real Madrid) is a massive opportunity, and one I will relish. Watch this space!

Mystic Wes 1

Many of you will know Wes Brown as the sometime Man United, sometime England defender. Others will know him as Mystic Wes due to his ability to predict the future with resounding accuracy. Every week, Wes will make his predictions known. A great source if you want to get a cheeky bet on.

This week Wes predicts that Emile Heskey won't play for Wigan. He said "I don't think Heskey will play for Wigan this week".

Check back next week to see if Wes was right, and to hear his predictions for the future.

As requested please find enclosed.....................

One of my 2009 New Year's resolutions is to try and obtain signed photographs from some of the beautiful game's beautiful characters. I'm not looking for the superstars, but rather those who make everything that little bit more interesting.

To start things off I have the one and only Tony Pulis. I was sent this in the week Tony said this of the January transfer window:

"We can’t get the top players. We are looking for players where there is something wrong with them. We are not at Crufts, we are at Battersea Dogs Home. We go looking for strays, get them in and cuddle them."

Truly great man.