The day started with a mixture of trepidation and excitement at the prospect of travelling to Manchester to interview Gordon Taylor in the PFA Headquarters. The morning started with an Egg Mcmuffin from the fast food chain Mcdonalds. This choice of meal was not high on the list of this bloggers preferred option for breakfast but it was practical and could be consumed with minimum of fuss and at the end of the day, beggars cannot be choosers. The Mcmuffin had the desired effect of filling a space which led a member of Squashed Fox to note ‘what more could you want for a nicker or so?’
This blogger knew that this would ultimately be the final hurdle of the journey with Squashed Fox up to Lancashire, whilst knowing that he was only a small cog in the machine. Contract disputes with the production manager about an increase in wages led to heated discussions where no progress was made. The blogger was told in no uncertain terms where he could put the blog and decided to get on his toes and head back home.
Despite these unfortunate circumstances, the team decided to carry on as normal without a trace of unprofessionalism before this blogger shot off from Manchester Piccadilly station to Euston London via Stockport. After the Mcmuffin, the public toilets were ventured into and the conditions were referred to as ‘absolutely horrendous.’ After this brief venture, the team headed off to Manchester. As the motor pulled away from the Travelodge, Yazoo’s single ‘Only you’ appeared on the airwaves and was deemed an appropriate choice of song. The passion within the 80’s hit reflected the emotional departure for one cog within the machine.
We arrived in Manchester and the PFA Headquarters are a superb example of top-notch facilities. We set up in one of the meeting rooms that were decorated with footballing memorabilia such as a famous photo of Bobby Moore and Pele swapping shirts in a 1970 World Cup match. Gordon Taylor was generous with his time and within the interview, talked about playing with such illustrious players like Alan Ball in an England schoolboy’s game. His concern in relation to financial problems for particular clubs was apparent and he remarked on such teams as ya Wolves’ and ya Middlesbrough’s as clubs that had problems. Mr Taylor’s views were interesting and reflected another successful interview.
The final interview for this blogger was an emotional occasion and the letting go of the clapper was particularly hard to take. The clapper felt like an extension of this person’s arm. The blogger was caught in the corner gently weeping due to the acrimonious split and also due to the blogger experiencing sharp, sudden, shooting pains in the groin area that have caused him problems for donkeys years. Despite this, the Squashed Fox team dropped this blogger off at Piccadilly station, which was rather nice of them.
The blogging game is over for this particular whippersnapper. The baton will be handed over to another member of Squashed Fox. Another day, another blogger and this particular person will carry on with the underwhelming, below mediocre levels of blogging as the company realises that this blog means so much to so many people.
Au Revoir
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Thursday 5 July 2012
Snaps
We here by present to you, some snaps of our current endeavours on our week long shoot in Blackburn.
Sid Perch
The Squashed Fox Team
Sid Perch
The Squashed Fox Team
Birthday Blog
Squashed Fox awoke after a testing nights sleep for all of the team. The heat that generates within this particular Travelodge made one of the contingent quip ‘its like a sauna in here.’ With this in mind, this blogger woke up on the day of his birthday miles from home and feeling rather flat. After putting on a dashing Squashed Fox black polo and a dash of Brut, it was off to see Maureen Bateson MBE, councillor of Ewood ward. We arrived eagerly yet anxiously to Maureen’s house as we knew we had to go through the notorious Bolton Road that we have found to be a magnet for traffic. The temporary traffic lights have been a nightmare for all those involved. A lesson in life that has been ingrained in the memory of ex Shenfield High School students, are the words of the schools ex head teacher John Fairhurst who became synonymous with the five P’s – ‘Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.’ The five P’s were more than useful in counteracting the demands of the Bolton road as we planned ahead to give us enough time to breeze through the traffic whilst diminishing the threat of being late. We made the scheduled meet with time to spare, which was of relief to all involved.
The interview with Maureen was an absolute cracker and her passion for Rovers was clear for all to see. The painting of Alan Shearer scoring against Newcastle in the premier league winning season, stood proudly in her hall way and her knowledge of her beloved club was rather impressive. Maureen offered all the crew a cup of tea, which was a nice touch, and we appreciated her hospitality. After a successful interview, it was back on the dreaded Bolton Road but a beautiful rendition of the late great Bob Marley’s ‘Feel all right’ seemed to obliterate any sense of anxiety due to the roadwork’s. However local radio station The Bee played a Shakira number about her hips not lying and the presenter mentioned about her partner Gerard Pique that made the blogger come crashing back down to reality after the brief high of Bob Marley. The blogger reflected that everyday must be a birthday for FC Barcelona’s cultured centre back.
We had to entertain ourselves during the couple of hours between our first interview of the day and second with Sir Bill Taylor. We decided to have some Baguettes in the local shop under the Travelodge and quite frankly, the waitresses heart was undoubtedly not in it. The temperamental waitress gave off the impression that the customer was wrong to contemplate ordering some food or to ask about the menu. We all thought that she must be in a long expensive legal dispute with the charm school. The experience of the day was greatly improved when Louis the ever-reliable soundman gave this blogger a balloon from Mcdonalds and it was greatly appreciated. A box of Cherries from the co-op, which was at a bargain half price, put a brief smile on the face of the blogger.
Our second interview of the day was with Sir Bill Taylor who was ever so welcoming and he and his wife, like Maureen offered us all a cup of tea or Coffee, which was rather nice of them. Another good interview and Sir Bill was in fine form with many good anecdotes. One about Mike Newell was particularly riveting and involved Sir Bill buying pints of liquor on the sly for Newelley to consume. Sir Bill Taylor’s hospitality was extended in an email to out producer recommending the ‘Oyster and Otter’ for a lovely little meal. However we decided to go for a cheaper option and went to the Italian restaurant Mangiano’s, which was a good choice in the end.
After the interview, we came home and travelled up the hill of all hills in Heys lane. The motor was purring up the road with all the excess weight (people and equipment) and she managed it in the end. Ford should be proud of their durable Focus. Our final interview of the day was with Rovers fanzone commentator Benedict Pirraglia at Ewood Park and the visuals were cosmic. Benedict was passionate about his team and we enjoyed his input within the interview.
We then went to the aforementioned Mangiano’s that was a lovely little set up with superb enthusiasm from the staff. After the main course, this blogger became slightly suspicious when all of the teams deserts appeared apart from his. His suspicions were confirmed when his ‘Chocolate Brownie Sensation’ appeared with a candle on top. The staff sang a heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ that was very nice to see despite the embarrassment caused. When the blogger thanked a member of staff for the meal and the staff’s singing, the waiter claimed ‘I should be on X factor’ which lifted the jovial nature of the occasion to an even higher level. After this meal, it was back to the Travelodge. Another day, another blog!
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
The interview with Maureen was an absolute cracker and her passion for Rovers was clear for all to see. The painting of Alan Shearer scoring against Newcastle in the premier league winning season, stood proudly in her hall way and her knowledge of her beloved club was rather impressive. Maureen offered all the crew a cup of tea, which was a nice touch, and we appreciated her hospitality. After a successful interview, it was back on the dreaded Bolton Road but a beautiful rendition of the late great Bob Marley’s ‘Feel all right’ seemed to obliterate any sense of anxiety due to the roadwork’s. However local radio station The Bee played a Shakira number about her hips not lying and the presenter mentioned about her partner Gerard Pique that made the blogger come crashing back down to reality after the brief high of Bob Marley. The blogger reflected that everyday must be a birthday for FC Barcelona’s cultured centre back.
We had to entertain ourselves during the couple of hours between our first interview of the day and second with Sir Bill Taylor. We decided to have some Baguettes in the local shop under the Travelodge and quite frankly, the waitresses heart was undoubtedly not in it. The temperamental waitress gave off the impression that the customer was wrong to contemplate ordering some food or to ask about the menu. We all thought that she must be in a long expensive legal dispute with the charm school. The experience of the day was greatly improved when Louis the ever-reliable soundman gave this blogger a balloon from Mcdonalds and it was greatly appreciated. A box of Cherries from the co-op, which was at a bargain half price, put a brief smile on the face of the blogger.
Our second interview of the day was with Sir Bill Taylor who was ever so welcoming and he and his wife, like Maureen offered us all a cup of tea or Coffee, which was rather nice of them. Another good interview and Sir Bill was in fine form with many good anecdotes. One about Mike Newell was particularly riveting and involved Sir Bill buying pints of liquor on the sly for Newelley to consume. Sir Bill Taylor’s hospitality was extended in an email to out producer recommending the ‘Oyster and Otter’ for a lovely little meal. However we decided to go for a cheaper option and went to the Italian restaurant Mangiano’s, which was a good choice in the end.
After the interview, we came home and travelled up the hill of all hills in Heys lane. The motor was purring up the road with all the excess weight (people and equipment) and she managed it in the end. Ford should be proud of their durable Focus. Our final interview of the day was with Rovers fanzone commentator Benedict Pirraglia at Ewood Park and the visuals were cosmic. Benedict was passionate about his team and we enjoyed his input within the interview.
We then went to the aforementioned Mangiano’s that was a lovely little set up with superb enthusiasm from the staff. After the main course, this blogger became slightly suspicious when all of the teams deserts appeared apart from his. His suspicions were confirmed when his ‘Chocolate Brownie Sensation’ appeared with a candle on top. The staff sang a heartfelt rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ that was very nice to see despite the embarrassment caused. When the blogger thanked a member of staff for the meal and the staff’s singing, the waiter claimed ‘I should be on X factor’ which lifted the jovial nature of the occasion to an even higher level. After this meal, it was back to the Travelodge. Another day, another blog!
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Hills, Boozers and Disappointments
The Squashed Fox team arose early doors with a sense of anticipation for the coming day. The contingent seemed refreshingly laid back as they tucked into a health conscious McDonald’s breakfast. This blogger choose to have a portion of green seedless grapes and a chicken and bacon sandwich, which went down an absolute storm. An off the record meeting was arranged with Andy Cryer of the Lancashire Telegraph who was very insightful and his obvious passion for Football was clearly apparent. He said to our producer that he would write about the upcoming documentary in the next few days. This combined with the fact that he allowed Mr Sikka access to the staff car park, free of charge added to the sense of camaraderie and we were pleased that he took the time to see us.
The next stop was at ex Rover’s stalwart, Mick Rathbone’s house for an interview to discuss his take on the events of the last 18 months. Unfortunately he forgot that he was scheduled in for the interview. Mrs Rathbone came to the rescue and got in contact with her husband and allowed us to wait in their lovely living room. Mick Rathbone came into his house, to find his living room turned into a mini film set with the equipment all in place for him. Mr Rathbone could not apologise enough and raced back from a job in Accrington to conduct the interview. He came across as a thoroughly decent man and answered the questions with a real enthusiasm that was of interest to the crew. As non-locals of Lancashire, we did not appreciate the vast array of hills within Blackburn. We were unprepared for the landscape within this neck of the woods. Fortunately the driver’s motor is a beautiful little runner and managed to eat up the ground with consummate ease.
Our final interview of the day was with ex player Glen Keeley. His affection for the club and his concern at recent events were clearly apparent in the interview. He was generous with his time and Squashed Fox thank him for his views. The interview was conducted in the Feilden Arms Pub and this boozer was a terrific example of a lovely little local with a selection of Lagers, Ciders and Bitter’s that would tickle the fancy of anyone who was fond of a nice quite pint or even a loud horrible one for that matter. Squashed Fox did not realise that there were two Feilden Arms’ in Blackburn. Unfortunately we turned up at the wrong one first time around, which less face it, no one wants or needs in this day and age. The disappointment at the revelation of two Feilden Arms’ was a kick in the teeth to say the least but we rolled up our sleeves and cracked on. To conclude the day, we had a meal in a local restaurant. Two members of our set up made the choice of Steak and Ale Pie and both of them went down a treat. This particular Pie was the best that this blogger has experienced since Clive Slater’s wedding. This highpoint of the day was ultimately tarnished after another member of the team threw up ever so slightly at the dinner table, which blemished the experience to a small degree. After this, it was back to headquarters and off to bed where the blogger felt a mixture of frustration at the thought of having to write up a blog but persevered despite the allure of sleeping.
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
The next stop was at ex Rover’s stalwart, Mick Rathbone’s house for an interview to discuss his take on the events of the last 18 months. Unfortunately he forgot that he was scheduled in for the interview. Mrs Rathbone came to the rescue and got in contact with her husband and allowed us to wait in their lovely living room. Mick Rathbone came into his house, to find his living room turned into a mini film set with the equipment all in place for him. Mr Rathbone could not apologise enough and raced back from a job in Accrington to conduct the interview. He came across as a thoroughly decent man and answered the questions with a real enthusiasm that was of interest to the crew. As non-locals of Lancashire, we did not appreciate the vast array of hills within Blackburn. We were unprepared for the landscape within this neck of the woods. Fortunately the driver’s motor is a beautiful little runner and managed to eat up the ground with consummate ease.
Our final interview of the day was with ex player Glen Keeley. His affection for the club and his concern at recent events were clearly apparent in the interview. He was generous with his time and Squashed Fox thank him for his views. The interview was conducted in the Feilden Arms Pub and this boozer was a terrific example of a lovely little local with a selection of Lagers, Ciders and Bitter’s that would tickle the fancy of anyone who was fond of a nice quite pint or even a loud horrible one for that matter. Squashed Fox did not realise that there were two Feilden Arms’ in Blackburn. Unfortunately we turned up at the wrong one first time around, which less face it, no one wants or needs in this day and age. The disappointment at the revelation of two Feilden Arms’ was a kick in the teeth to say the least but we rolled up our sleeves and cracked on. To conclude the day, we had a meal in a local restaurant. Two members of our set up made the choice of Steak and Ale Pie and both of them went down a treat. This particular Pie was the best that this blogger has experienced since Clive Slater’s wedding. This highpoint of the day was ultimately tarnished after another member of the team threw up ever so slightly at the dinner table, which blemished the experience to a small degree. After this, it was back to headquarters and off to bed where the blogger felt a mixture of frustration at the thought of having to write up a blog but persevered despite the allure of sleeping.
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Monday 2 July 2012
Wayne Wild
The final interview of the day was with passionate Blackburn fan and Director of WEC engineering firm Wayne Wild who also sponsors the Darwen end at Ewood Park and is the founder of the Blackburn Supporters Investment Trust. The interview was conducted at the WEC group offices and the facilities were top class. Mr Wild’s views were of great interest to the Squashed Fox crew and he expressed his concern with the running of the club over the last year and how a break down in communication between owners and spectators leads to disillusioned fans. The concern of Mr Wild was apparent and he expressed his belief in the club being run by members of the community, to decrease the chances of administration like Scottish Footballing heavyweights Glasgow Rangers. The concern of Wayne Wild was encapsulated within the interview.
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Andy Bayes - BBC Radio Lancashire
Our arrival in Blackburn was met with Andy Bayes of BBC Radio Lancashire inviting Squashed Fox producer Rishi Sikka onto his show, to interview him about the Documentary. Mr Bayes’ hospitality was very generous and Rishi answered questions with aplomb despite it being his first ever interview in front of such a seasoned broadcaster. Squashed Fox would like to think that publicity from this slot would have gained more interest in the project and thank Andy Bayes for his time.
Click here to listen to Rishi's interview on the show...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00tq8qq
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Click here to listen to Rishi's interview on the show...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00tq8qq
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Berkshire to Blackburn
Refuelling at Warwick Service Station consisted of consuming a slightly below mediocre, grease induced, Double Whopper. After that filled a space, the Squashed Fox team prepared themselves mentally for the long trek up to Lancashire. The sat nav predicted four and a half hours give or take. The prospect of a long journey up a rain soaked motorway, whilst squeezed in with luggage and equipment, was about as appealing and exciting as an Alex McLeish press conference. This blogger’s groin has been causing him havoc for the last few weeks. Unfortunately this has caused him to miss a title run in for his 6 aside team in the prestigious Shenfield league with such illustrious teams as ABC Cabs and Bas Boys. With this in mind, the prospect of having a heavy bag on top of his lap for the mini odyssey up to Blackburn would undoubtedly do more damage to the aforementioned dodgy groin.
The atmosphere was gritty to say the least. Nevertheless, Luther Vandross came on the radio and the tension was eased. There seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel. The introduction of Luther seemed to speed up the journey. The news that SW19’s favourite Hawk, Rufus was found alive and well only added to the new found optimism. It was pleasing to hear that Rufus will be up to his old tricks in no time, patrolling the sky around Wimbledon whilst scaring off Pigeon’s that may disrupt British Tennis’ showcase event. Before we knew it, we were close to Blackburn. However the motor was eating up petrol like there was no tomorrow. Another stop, another service. This time at Charnock Richard Service Station where half a ton’s worth of petrol was consumed in order to get us over the finishing line of the M65 and onto the A674 Blackburn West.
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
The atmosphere was gritty to say the least. Nevertheless, Luther Vandross came on the radio and the tension was eased. There seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel. The introduction of Luther seemed to speed up the journey. The news that SW19’s favourite Hawk, Rufus was found alive and well only added to the new found optimism. It was pleasing to hear that Rufus will be up to his old tricks in no time, patrolling the sky around Wimbledon whilst scaring off Pigeon’s that may disrupt British Tennis’ showcase event. Before we knew it, we were close to Blackburn. However the motor was eating up petrol like there was no tomorrow. Another stop, another service. This time at Charnock Richard Service Station where half a ton’s worth of petrol was consumed in order to get us over the finishing line of the M65 and onto the A674 Blackburn West.
Sid Perch
Squashed Fox Team
Simon Garner
The Squashed Fox contingent departed Essex at 6am for an interview with Blackburn's record goalscorer and firm fan favourite Simon Garner. A typically rain soaked July morning encountered
the journey down to Berkshire where Simon currently resides. The journey down the notoriously busy M25 did not fail to disappoint as we got caught in some traffic. Four Tesco valued all buttered Pains Au Chocolat's were consumed to raise the spirits and I have to say that they were like a breath of fresh air and hit the spot. After driving through Berkshire's delightful countryside, we arrived at the main man's house with time to spare for the 9am scheduled meet. Mr Garner came across refreshingly humble for a man of his footballing pedigree. His views on Rovers current predicament were insightful and to the point. He appreciated the efforts of Big Sam when he was manager and believes it is crucial for Steve Kean to get off to a flying start in the coming season. The signing of Danny Murphy particularly struck a positive chord with Simon. Successful interview and off up to Blackburn with a stop at Warwick services to recharge the batteries.
Sid Perch
The Squashed Fox team.
the journey down to Berkshire where Simon currently resides. The journey down the notoriously busy M25 did not fail to disappoint as we got caught in some traffic. Four Tesco valued all buttered Pains Au Chocolat's were consumed to raise the spirits and I have to say that they were like a breath of fresh air and hit the spot. After driving through Berkshire's delightful countryside, we arrived at the main man's house with time to spare for the 9am scheduled meet. Mr Garner came across refreshingly humble for a man of his footballing pedigree. His views on Rovers current predicament were insightful and to the point. He appreciated the efforts of Big Sam when he was manager and believes it is crucial for Steve Kean to get off to a flying start in the coming season. The signing of Danny Murphy particularly struck a positive chord with Simon. Successful interview and off up to Blackburn with a stop at Warwick services to recharge the batteries.
Sid Perch
The Squashed Fox team.
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