THE CATFLAP CHINWAG WITH...

Ricky Tomlinson

He made his name as Bobby Grant in Brookside, before becoming a comedy legend as Jim Royle in The Royle Family. Now, he's back with his own football DVD...

 

You've just released a DVD called Football, My Arse! So who are the biggest arses in football?

That's easy that. The FA. They haven't got a bloody clue. They couldn't pick their nose never mind a bloody manager.

 

What do you make of the whole England fall out?

It's an absolute fiasco. I'm one of these little patriotic so-and-sos; I find it amazing that they're thinking of having to go abroad to get someone to manage the national side. I mean we invented the game; we exported to South America with the tin miners from Devon and Cornwall. I just think it's disgraceful.

 

Who would you be going for then?

To be honest with you, I think my choice has just spoilt himself but I'd have gone for Harry Redknapp.

 

But definitely English?

Well, we'll say British. But there should be no knee-jerk reaction. We're out of the competition, let's take our time, let's get it right. I think where McClaren shot himself in the foot was when he took over and said "there's no room in my set-up anymore for David Beckham". I thought, "You'll eat them words lad". And he did.