Tom Grennan hails Phil Foden
The Found What I’ve Been Looking For star on life as a Luton Town youth player, why Bovril will always get his vote – and the time he almost vommed on Becks
What was the first match you ever saw live?
My first game was Manchester United vs Bolton in 2003- 04. It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut and we beat them 4- 0. Sadly, because my dad wanted to be one of the first on the train home, we weren’t hanging about – we were from down south, in Bedford – and missed some of his magic when he tore them apart. I was absolutely fuming at him. I wasn’t happy, but I was pleased that we won. Going to Old Trafford was like going to heaven, walking into paradise. I loved it. It still feels the same when
I go there now.
Who was your childhood hero, and did you ever meet them?
I had two or three. There was Paul Scholes [ right], who I’ve never met, and also David Beckham, who I’ve actually met a few times. He’s such a sweet guy, down to earth, and just a legend. I first met him at a thing called Kobox, and we did some boxing together. That was before I was fit and healthy. I can remember boxing with him and having to run out of the room because I started to feel sick. I was thinking, at the point I knew I was struggling, ‘ Oh God, Becks must think I’m a right wimp’. He was sound, though – such a really sound guy. He’s a wicked boxer and fit as a fiddle, too. Zinedine Zidane was one of my heroes as well – I loved the way that he moved the ball. So confident, so calm, so elegant.
How has watching football changed for you since you were a kid?
Well, all the players are younger than me now, which is a sad thing! I still get the buzz when I’m watching it, though. When I was younger, if I saw a game, I’d be outside playing straight after. Now I wouldn’t be doing it. Apart from that, I try to watch matches every weekend and I still get that buzz on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It feels great.
What’s your finest moment as a player?
When I was with Luton, we travelled to Finland to play in a tournament one year. We took on lots of different teams from all around the world and won the whole thing, which was really cool. That was a highlight for me. I loved every moment when I was playing football, be it in a Sunday League game or when I was at Luton, Northampton or Stevenage. I top- binned it a few times from left- back. I’m a right- footed player, but I cut in and left several people stunned when I picked out the top corner.
Do you know of other musicians who are decent players?
I’d say James Bay is pretty decent at football – but Harley from Rizzle Kicks is really good and Loyle Carner isn’t too bad either.
What do you enjoy most about going to a match?
For me, it’s the day out in general. You get to see your team play, and if they win it’s a bonus. But you get to be with your mates and talk about football all day. It’s the travelling up as well. I like heading into Manchester, going out after the game – hopefully celebrating a victory – and staying overnight. It’s just a wicked day out.
What’s your favourite goal you’ve ever seen?
Probably Wayne Rooney’s at home to Manchester City in 2011 [ below] – his overhead kick, a banger. I remember the ball hitting the net, then thinking, ‘ What?!’ and going crazy. I watched it at a mate’s house, and he supports Liverpool. I was yelling in his face, saying, “Told you! Rooney’s the best!”
Where’s the best place you’ve ever watched a game?
A bar in Bulgaria. I was on a lad’s holiday during the World Cup – England were playing and it got lairy, man. It went off, with everybody totally buzzing. When I’m on tour, we’ll watch football on the bus or head over to a pub if we can.
Who from your club’s past would you bring back for the current side?
Scholes, 100 per cent. I think we need someone in the centre to hold things up. There’s far too much space in the middle of the park at the moment, so I’d go for Scholes. Or Michael Carrick – one of those two.
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever met a manager or player?
I played at the PFA Awards, and it was a very strange thing for me to be there. I met Mo Salah, Vincent Kompany and Harry Kane. The night was quite weird,
because I look at footballers like they’re superheroes. It was mad to perform in front of them – it felt like almost every Premier League player was in the room watching me. What’s the funniest and/ or strangest thing you’ve ever seen or heard at a match?
It’s not funny or weird, but I used to go and watch Crystal Palace with a mate and loved their cheerleaders. I went to see them, basically. What’s your favourite football book?
Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography. It teaches you how to listen to those who know, and take wiser people’s advice on, but make life your own thing at the same time. That’s how you’ll succeed. What’s the best food you’ve ever had at a game?
To be honest, I do like a Bovril on a cold Tuesday night – it’s gravy in a cup... Who’s your favourite current player?
I’m a real big fan of Phil Foden, I have to admit. He’s just so good. I know he’s a Manchester City player but he’s great to watch. A class act. Which player would you choose as your room- mate?
I’d pick James Maddison [ above]. I’m pals with James, so I think we’d have a good laugh. He came to a few of my shows and we became mates through that. He’s a good lad. If you could drop yourself into your all- time five- a- side team, who would you be playing alongside?
Alisson’s in goal, as he’s one of the best keepers in the world right now. Zidane definitely needs to be in there, as does Becks, then at the back I think I’d go for Patrice Evra. Niall Doherty