Crew Interviews - Neil

How did you get started at SoccerAM?
To be honest, it was mostly luck. My first tv job was in the Duty Office at Channel 5, answering the phones to angry viewers (it's quite fun, actually, give them a call and complain about the reception, they'll love it), and then I came here to Sky and I was a promos scheduler. At the time I watched Soccer AM and wanted to get into production so I emailed Andy Harris (Shandy) and asked to do work experience. At the time, Aldo and Geoff the Ref were both leaving so they had room for a new staff member...and the rest is history.

How long have you been at SoccerAM?
This will be my 8th season. I think. I started at the same time as Sheeps. The seasons fade into one after a while, you lose track of time.

Who comes up with the commentry for your Boston Goals or does it come straight off the top of your head?
You'd have to ask Randy and Mike about that.

Does anything you read on the forum affect the show?
That's a tough one. I don't read the forum that often but I do read hundreds of emails a week in the Soccer AM inbox, and everyone has their own opinions, which are all valid. Most, anyway. We try hard but will never be able to please all of the people all of the time, it's impossible. Having said that, it's always tough to read criticism of your work.

How often do you check up on SoccerAM.net?
Please see above...

What exactly is your job description?
My title is Associate Producer. Don't really know what that means. I seem to spend a lot of time worrying about Health and Safety, though. If I have any time left I write a lot of the script, decide on the running order, make sure the boys aren't playing darts in the office and help book guests. On a Saturday I'm the one in Tim and Helen's ear. Not actually inside their ear, that would be uncomfortable. I produce the gallery, making sure that what goes to air is the hugely professional and polished show you see every week.

If you weren't doing the Soccer AM thing what would you be doing?
Lying in bed on a Saturday morning watching Soccer AM.

If you could take over someones segment on the show, which segment would it be? (.e: Tubes Question, Yorkshire News etc)
Well, I did fancy myself as a Geoffrey Trueman type...watch this space. Not this space literally, Soccer Am space...

If you could cut one segment which would it be?
I would lose all the League 2 stuff and replace it with Conference football. Just for this season.

Were you suprised by the volume of people that thought Soccer AM Extra was real?
Not surprised actually, but really chuffed. It really made us laugh, we were gutted when we had to drop it. Sky were getting too many calls from you lot who couldn't find it on the schedule.

Robbie or Rocket?
Depends on what you're asking them to do. If you want tickets to a sold out gig to impress an internet date, Robbie's your man. But if you're looking to feel really tall, hang out with Rocket.

If you could bring back one gag from the past what would it be?
steak and kidley

Any new segements for this year you can tell us about?
Soccer locker.

Who was your favourite guest or guests of last season?
It's always good getting bands on who you really like, but I'd say for sheer entertainment value, Brian Blessed. Behind the scenes I started to get that "Meatloaf" feeling, but then realised he knew exactly what he was doing and it was a joy to watch him create 6 minutes of brilliant tv off the top of his head.

Sheephead or Tubes?
Tubes is better at keep-ups. Sheephead is better at not washing


Who's the worst dressed of the crew, other than Lovejoy of course?
Contrary to popular belief, it's not Robbie. He's a style icon. It has to be Luke. He has this addiction to a green sweatshirt like Cloughie used to have. It worked for Cloughie, it doesn't work for Luke.

Which crew member can drink the most?
Me. But I'm not proud of it.

Why Oxford United?
Why not Oxford United? I actually grew up a Leeds fan (I was born there), but moved to Oxfordshire when I was 11, and wanted to support my local team. So recently I have been asking myself why my parents didn't move to Manchester or Liverpool instead. I'm secretly looking forward to a season in the Conference, though, I've never been to St Albans and Aldershot. Two out of two so far ain't bad.

Whos your best pal at Soccer AM?
We're all best of friends. But I tend to go out with Robbie and Jon Dyson more because they live near me and don't have lovely families to look after unlike some of the others. We also play in the same Sunday league team (Dynamo Ealing, Chiswick and District Sunday League Division 4 Champions).

Who can drink the most and least before getting messy?
I think you already asked that. Who wrote this interview, Robbie?

Whos funnier Lovejoy or Fenners?
Tim is funnier. Tim is my boss.

Do you find Helen attractive?
I've fallen for that question before. It's a trick. If you say yes, then everyone in the office says "oooh, he fancies Helen", and if you say no, everyone tells Helen and she gets upset.

Who writes better gags Fenners or Lovejoy?
Tim writes better gags. Tim is my boss.

Do you have any embarassing stories about other crew members? If so, please explain !
Most of them concern me, I'm afraid, and you know them all because they're always the Crew Question.

Lovejoy or Chamberlain?
Tim is my boss.

Who is the hardest worker in the office?
Me. Quite clearly. Practically everyone else has found time to do this questionnaire already, but I've been too busy.

Whos the longest "in the SoccerAM shower"?
I reckon it must be Sheephead. He says he only has 3 a week so by my reckoning they must be pretty in-depth showers.

Whats the best footy match you've ever seen (live or on the box)?
Oxford 3, QPR 0. 1986 Milk Cup Final - for obvious reasons. Or the Champions League final last year. Luckily I saw both live.


Who is your favourite footballer of all time?
John Aldridge. It was almost the greatest day of my life when we went out after a Badgers match and had a few beers with him.


Whos going to win the Champions League this year (2007)?
Chelsea. And you know what, I hope they do it.


Anything else you would like to add?
Infinity + infinity...try it if you like, and let me know what you come up with .

Thanks to Neil for taking the time to do this interview!