Nicola: ‘Some of the women are only interested in hierarchy, fame and drama!’
Former glamour model Nicola McLean, 38, whose husband Tom Williams, 39, played for West Ham, QPR and Swansea City during his career – says that although the WAG life appears to be dripping in glitz and glamour, it can be “cruel and cliquey” on the inside.
She says, “I’ve had different experiences at different clubs, but the WAG world can be a bitchy, ‘Mean Girls’-like existence. There can be rivalry and unfriendliness, with someone in the group being the ‘top dog’ and there can be a lot of drama. It isn’t just amazing holidays and designer clothes – there can be a lot of behind-the-scenes politics between the girls.
“I remember the first game I went to, I was so scared of meeting all the WAGs in the Player’s Lounge that I hid in the car park. Over the years I had some really negative experiences. I think that, unfortunately, as much as I don’t want to sound sexist, with a group of women sometimes it gets hierarchical and competitive. On some occasions, the girls would completely ignore you and you felt like you had to prove yourself to be part of the group.
They’d leave you out or not invite you places, and it could be really daunting.
“The Captain’s wife is usually the Queen Bee – from my experience, some of these women would be fabulous and would organise drinks or nights out and be so inclusive and lovely. But other times, these women would think they were top dog and be unfriendly.
“It can be a shallow world, too – it would be who’s got the best handbag, or who’s wearing what high heels and perfect make-up. Don’t get me wrong, I love to dress up and I wanted to look great, but I wasn’t too fussed about it all, because
I was well-known in my own right. It wasn’t a big deal to me.
“When Tom played for Swansea, we had the best group of girls. [Atomic Kitten’s] Liz McClarnon was dating a Swansea player, and she and I and the other wives and girlfriends became really close. We’d have drinks or takeaways on Friday nights and have a great time. Everyone was so friendly. It was the biggest laugh.
“The ultimate WAGs back in the day were Victoria Beckham, Cheryl, Alex Gerrard and Elen Rivas – they were brilliant. No one will be as epic as them. They looked like they were having so much fun, although who knows whether there were some
behind-the-scenes fall-outs?
“I think a lot of women want to emulate that – they dine out on the fact they’re a WAG, and it can consume you. Some people love the idea of it and the drama.
“I know that some WAGs will only be interested in the hierarchy, fame and the drama, but I just don’t believe Rebekah is like that. She turns up to matches with no make-up and a football shirt on, and at events I’ve been to with her, she’s not fussed about the press or limelight. I really don’t believe she’s interested in stealing any crown or boosting her status in any way.
“Everyone thinks Coleen is really private – but remember she’s done countless interviews, books and even her own TV show in the past, when she didn’t have to. Becky doesn’t do half of that.”
❛ SOME WILL IGNORE YOU AND YOU HAVE TO PROVE YOURSELF TO JOIN THE GROUP ❜