[TV] Harry’s Heroes

[dazzer6666]

I slightly disagree - Just slightly

I think he makes for good funny TV.

There are some players who will quite willingly put themselves forward for ridicule or admiration, so long as the price is right.

You only have to look at people like Gary Linicker and all those Naff Walkers Crisps Adverts - Gary is laughing all the way to the bank and is probably for the most part emotionally unaffected by it.

Que also Chris Kamara - He is also happy to put himself up to be poked fun at and he too laughs all the way to the bank with the TV Companies Monies in his hip pocket.

Its when they prey on the emotionally vulnerable ones like Paul Merson or Gazza to have the Public say ''Awe - Poor them '' : Programmes like X-Factor do it all the time. Throw in a sob story so that we can all have a weep about and at the expense of vulnerable people. That doesn't sit well with me.

Lots of Footballers are going through hard times by virtue of Messy Divorces or Addictions of some sort but who would never open themselves up to Public Consumption for a quick Financial Fix.

The ones who are willing to open themselves up for the money are being exploited by the TV Companies and that's a shame. It is no better than prodding a bear with a stick to make it dance for the Public as far as I am concerned, although in this instance, the stick is Dollar Bills or £ Notes.

Oh sure it's made the programme more interesting (partly because they have failed to secure some higher-profile - and fitter - players that would have made the actual football more of a story) but it's now all about Ruddock and his drink (and food, and smoking) problem, everything else is incidental (he's not even playing). The fact they played a team of naked players and no-one is talking about that sums it up really. He should have been binned off for his own good, and given help - that wouldn't sell much advertising time though..........................his antics have derailed the whole (original) point of the programme.

 

[Lenny Rider]

Wot no thread ?

That was really quite painful to watch towards the end. Poor old Razor is a mess and it’s deeply troubling Merson who’s been there himself.

Unfortunately he's been in a bad way for a few years.

I did the auction at Malcolm Stuart and Jock Riddell's joint testimonial dinner at the Grand Hotel some years ago, for whatever reason, even though at the time a Palace player Ruddock was in attendance. During the auction he made his way up to the stage and asked me for the mic. At the time Palace were in danger of relegation from the Championship and part of Ruddock's deal was he had a box at Selhurst. Injured at the time he spoke into the mic, "Who wants to hire my box to watch Palace get relegated with me?, all your booze, all your food on me!" he gave me the mic back and we got the bidding up to £500.

As it turned out, he never honoured the booking, I believe Simon Jordan had taken the box off him by then, and the testimonial committee returned the successful bidder his money.

At the time, many on the night asked the question, how would we have felt as Albion fans if say Danny Cullip or Charlie Oatway (which they clearly wouldn't have) had gone to a function in Croydon and behaved the same way?

 

[Change at Barnham]

I found the programme quite depressing, watching how some talented athletes can get things so wrong in retirement.
Admittedly they focused on Ruddock but I was left with the impression that several others have struggles with their own demons. I guess it comes down to the quality of mentors that you allow yourself to be associated with.
The biggest message I got from the programme was a big reminder of how destructive alcohol can be.

 

[Weststander]

So many of us are the same, a lot of social activity in this country revolves around alcohol.

I drink too frequently, or did, I've learnt to keep a better track on things. Some friends will enjoy my company but point out, from time to time, oh I saw you were out again etc etc. But, as soon as I start DryJanuary and say I'll come along but then don't drink, it's all go on, you've done great have a night off.

We tend to have booze with everything and it's only when you abstain for longish periods you really see the peer pressure we create.

I got around that peer pressure on long nights out with mates by the time I was in my late 30’s/early 40’s, by slyly making my pint a shandy on my rounds. It may sound nothing, but I stopped getting hangovers (just a bit groggy first thing the following day), whilst my mates suffered. For me it didn’t detract from getting merry and having a good time.

Doing it openly led to the predictable “lightweight“ jibes etc and cranked up pressure to get slaughtered. By that age, I didn’t want to be wiped out for a day or two.

 

[Knocky's Nose]

Doing it openly led to the predictable “lightweight“ jibes etc and cranked up pressure to get slaughtered. By that age, I didn’t want to be wiped out for a day or two.

Same... I actually hate hangovers so much I rarely get drunk now. As soon as hit about 35 the hangovers started becoming 2 day affairs. Now, at 49 I'd guess it'd be 3 days before I felt "normal" again... and for what? There's nothing worse than seeing a middle aged man absolutely hammered.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

Unfortunately he's been in a bad way for a few years.

I did the auction at Malcolm Stuart and Jock Riddell's joint testimonial dinner at the Grand Hotel some years ago, for whatever reason, even though at the time a Palace player Ruddock was in attendance. During the auction he made his way up to the stage and asked me for the mic. At the time Palace were in danger of relegation from the Championship and part of Ruddock's deal was he had a box at Selhurst. Injured at the time he spoke into the mic, "Who wants to hire my box to watch Palace get relegated with me?, all your booze, all your food on me!" he gave me the mic back and we got the bidding up to £500.

As it turned out, he never honoured the booking, I believe Simon Jordan had taken the box off him by then, and the testimonial committee returned the successful bidder his money.

At the time, many on the night asked the question, how would we have felt as Albion fans if say Danny Cullip or Charlie Oatway (which they clearly wouldn't have) had gone to a function in Croydon and behaved the same way?

He also got his knob out in The Evening Star that day. Personally, I think the guy is tiresome.

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I got around that peer pressure on long nights out with mates by the time I was in my late 30’s/early 40’s, by slyly making my pint a shandy on my rounds. It may sound nothing, but I stopped getting hangovers (just a bit groggy first thing the following day), whilst my mates suffered. For me it didn’t detract from getting merry and having a good time.

Doing it openly led to the predictable “lightweight“ jibes etc and cranked up pressure to get slaughtered. By that age, I didn’t want to be wiped out for a day or two.

Same... I actually hate hangovers so much I rarely get drunk now. As soon as hit about 35 the hangovers started becoming 2 day affairs. Now, at 49 I'd guess it'd be 3 days before I felt "normal" again... and for what? There's nothing worse than seeing a middle aged man absolutely hammered.

I think that’s part of the reason I have got into food so much. I enjoy getting my friends around a dining table as much as a in a pub these days.

 

[Weststander]

Same... I actually hate hangovers so much I rarely get drunk now. As soon as hit about 35 the hangovers started becoming 2 day affairs. Now, at 49 I'd guess it'd be 3 days before I felt "normal" again... and for what? There's nothing worse than seeing a middle aged man absolutely hammered.

Another plus, I haven’t been ‘sick’ through booze for a very long time .... one NYE in the mid-90’s on disgusting Diamond White probably the last.

My shandy technique didn’t stop me clubbing and continuing to adore dance music when in my 30’s. Luckily I didn’t need to be as high as a kite on acid or cocaine, or paralytic, to appreciate trance for example. Great times, and I can actually remember them!

 

[Weststander]

I think that’s part of the reason I have got into food so much. I enjoy getting my friends around a dining table as much as a in a pub these days.

Not meant patronisingly, you’ve matured.

 

[Garry Nelson's teacher]

The show is a banter-fest first and foremost. The thing must have cost a fair amount to put together (and that's just the bar bills). I'm very ambivalent about it: on the one had it's a bit of a trip down memory lane and footie culture as it once was, but on the other it is rather sad and empty - many of the guys seem to have various issues and are in pretty poor condition (physically and psychologically). Its also almost totally pointless with a very thin premise ('let's beat the Germans').

Of course I'll be glued to the remaining 2 programmes - it's football, in'it?

 

[GloryDays]

It’s possible they didn’t know. Razor didn’t tell Harry until they were in France.
I get the impression he needs the money, as I’ve very recently seen a clip from Can’t Pay, Take it Away where Mrs Ruddock is abusing bailiffs.

The show will have absolutely known, but they want him for the show. The binging brexit porn a lot of people expect from the ‘entertainment value’.

But as you rightly point out he’s in a bit of mess financially so I’m sure he’s doing well out of it. The production should be ashamed though, just encouraging this mess to get in even more of a state.

 

[Biscuit Barrel]

Unfortunately he's been in a bad way for a few years.

I did the auction at Malcolm Stuart and Jock Riddell's joint testimonial dinner at the Grand Hotel some years ago, for whatever reason, even though at the time a Palace player Ruddock was in attendance. During the auction he made his way up to the stage and asked me for the mic. At the time Palace were in danger of relegation from the Championship and part of Ruddock's deal was he had a box at Selhurst. Injured at the time he spoke into the mic, "Who wants to hire my box to watch Palace get relegated with me?, all your booze, all your food on me!" he gave me the mic back and we got the bidding up to £500.

As it turned out, he never honoured the booking, I believe Simon Jordan had taken the box off him by then, and the testimonial committee returned the successful bidder his money.

At the time, many on the night asked the question, how would we have felt as Albion fans if say Danny Cullip or Charlie Oatway (which they clearly wouldn't have) had gone to a function in Croydon and behaved the same way?

I purchased the attached picture from you that night for £600. Another reason not to drink too much alcohol.

 

[Easy 10]

I found 'Arry's vague attempts to look like he actually gives a shit quite tiresome. "Berates" them for going out on a curry night, then next morning he dodges the bike ride in favour of the couch.

I dunno why he's even there, let alone naming the show after him, he's done absolutely naff-all. And Barnes just looks embarrassed to be there. Its carcrash telly though, and I must admit I do have something of a rubber neck.

 

[Durlston]

Quite enjoying tonight's show.

Great to see the fella that scored for San Marino after just seven seconds against England in 1993. I bet he's told his kids/nephews that achievement over the years.

Saw Harry telling everyone that sad story of his best friend, Brian Tiler, dying in a car crash at the World Cup at Italia '90 with Harry a passenger. I read in his autobiography that that has been the saddest thing that has ever happened to him. He looked really choked up.

That brawl at Old Trafford in 1990. Handbags at ten paces. Arsenal got fined a point or two and still pissed the first division.

 

[Durlston]

Vinnie Jones has arrived!

He's got a cracking sense of humour. Two memories of him in his playing days - first, was scoring the winner for Leeds United at West Ham in 1989 with a back flick that he couldn't repeat if he tried 100 times. He and the Leeds supporters at the time (the season of that riot down at Bournemouth on the final day) scared the shit out of most of the West Ham team and a lot of their fans! Secondly, he tackled Eric Cantona with a dirty challenge in around 1994 for Wimbledon against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Cantona got up immediately and was ready to have a go at Vinnie Jones. Quickly he realised his reputation and thought "Oh F**k. It doesn't matter!"

Hammering the San Marino team as usual.

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Unfortunately he's been in a bad way for a few years.

I did the auction at Malcolm Stuart and Jock Riddell's joint testimonial dinner at the Grand Hotel some years ago, for whatever reason, even though at the time a Palace player Ruddock was in attendance. During the auction he made his way up to the stage and asked me for the mic. At the time Palace were in danger of relegation from the Championship and part of Ruddock's deal was he had a box at Selhurst. Injured at the time he spoke into the mic, "Who wants to hire my box to watch Palace get relegated with me?, all your booze, all your food on me!" he gave me the mic back and we got the bidding up to £500.

As it turned out, he never honoured the booking, I believe Simon Jordan had taken the box off him by then, and the testimonial committee returned the successful bidder his money.

At the time, many on the night asked the question, how would we have felt as Albion fans if say Danny Cullip or Charlie Oatway (which they clearly wouldn't have) had gone to a function in Croydon and behaved the same way?

That's grim. Thanks for sharing. The man sounds like he's very needy to stoop to such a stunt. One might feel sorry for him except he gives the impression he's a bully. No doubt, to coin the Private Eye cliché, various of his old muckers will be taking out a small onion (for the tears) when offering their paid comments after his untimely and premature death.

 

[Easy 10]

Vinnie Jones has arrived!

He's got a cracking sense of humour. Two memories of him in his playing days - first, was scoring the winner for Leeds United at West Ham in 1989 with a back flick that he couldn't repeat if he tried 100 times. He and the Leeds supporters at the time (the season of that riot down at Bournemouth on the final day) scared the shit out of most of the West Ham team and a lot of their fans! Secondly, he tackled Eric Cantona with a dirty challenge in around 1994 for Wimbledon against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Cantona got up immediately and was ready to have a go at Vinnie Jones. Quickly he realised his reputation and thought "Oh F**k. It doesn't matter!"

Hammering the San Marino team as usual.

I remember Jones warming up before the game in front of the North Stand the afternoon Leeds came down and we scraped that corking 2-2 (classic Chappers own goal). Anyway, as he was warming up, some brave bloke behind me shouted out "Oi Jones, you ugly c**t". He looked up into the crowd and shouted back "yeah, but I'm f*cking rich and ugly".

Top bantz.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

I've watched both episodes and last years' programme - I'm finding multiple LOL moments from the bantz but there is a deeper vein of so many ex pros struggling with civvy street after retirement.

Fair play to Paul Merson if what he has said on camera is true and that he is a regular AA attendee and is "clean" from gambling.
Razor is a walking heart-attack and I fear he might not survive his wake-up call which can only be a matter of time

As for the football, reminds me a bit of my attempts with walking football in my late 50's, the mind is willing but the body says feck off.

I think, unfortunately, the Germans might be seeking revenge for last year and will "do us" - and where was Michael Owen tonight?

 

[Lenny Rider]

Despite the football bits, I’m finding it quite sad. ITV rightly stopped the ‘Victorian freak show’ of the awful and inept X Factor auditions being aired due to mental health issues, it appears we’ve now moved on to Footballers down on their luck, or worse.
We’ve sadly seen Kenny Sansom’s dirty linen washed courtesy of Jeremy Kyle, clearly for money, and now we’ve got much of the same from a number of former household names on this show.
Clearly they are getting paid, but they’ve all got families who have to watch the wider public learning some very personal stuff.
Is this really entertainment?

I’d rather the UK’s richest Union the PFA did a bit more for these guys off air, or maybe they do, and in true NSC tradition I will be corrected

 

[Beach Hut]

Haven't indulged as yet so will download and start watching what appears to be a freak show