GOOD, BAD & UGLY
Ex-Newcastle midfielder Ian Bogie on life alongside Gazza
PURSUED by every club in England, Ian Bogie was the most talented kid on Tyneside and seemingly set for a stellar career at his beloved Newcastle United.
Then Paul Gascoigne came along. Close mates as kids, they became rivals for a single place in the Toon midfield – and we all know what happened next.
Gazza became an international superstar, moving to Spurs before winning the hearts of the world at Italia 90.
Bogie made just a handful of appearances before forging a solid career in the lower leagues with the likes of Millwall, Preston and Port Vale, later enjoying a hugely successful stint in charge of Gateshead.
Here he tells us who was his finest team-mate (you can probably guess), which unsung hero ran his legs off – and why cutting his ties with St James’ was the hardest moment of his life.
FIRST CLUB
Newcastle. I signed a six-year contract when I was 14. I’d played for England schoolboys and, without being immodest, I was probably the most sought-after youngster in the area.
I’d gone to train with Aston Villa, West Brom, Burnley, Chelsea, Sunderland – I’d been all over the country and had offers right, left and centre.
But, being a mad Newcastle supporter, I was probably wasting their time. Newcastle could have offered me a six-week contract and I’d still have chosen them.
I’d grown up in the East End of Newcastle, watching the teams of the late 70s. It was always my dream to play for them.
Looking back, it’s amazing to think what would have happened to me now. These days, you’ve got kids who haven’t even played a game and they’re already millionaires.The contracts are frightening.
BEST MANAGER
For man-management, John Rudge at Port Vale. He just had a way of speaking to players that won respect and got the best out of people.
In terms of tactics and training methods – as a pure coach – I’d go with Bruce Rioch at Millwall in the early 90s.
BEST TEAM-MATE
Who do you think? Gazza. We joined as apprentices, grew up together. He was my room-mate and stayed with me many, many times.
Of that youth team, nine went on to play in the first-team at Newcastle. We were all street footballers who learned our trade on the terraces and parks.
And it’s funny, because while Gazza was a smashing player, I never thought he was spectacularly better than everyone else.
But Jack Charlton took a shine to him, gave him a chance to show what he could do. He seized it and went from strength to strength.
Oddly enough, though, I only actually played with him once – in a 1-1 draw at QPR. Back then, it was deemed that you only had room for one ball-player in your midfield. Willy McFall, the manager, wanted a digger to scrap around so I missed out.
FIRST PROMOTION
As a player, none. I had to wait until I was a manager at Gateshead. I took them from the UniBond Premier right through to the Conference in successive seasons.
They were in the doldrums when I got there. I’ll always remember the first time I went there, as an assistant to Tony Lee.
They played Burscough at home and I think there were 180 at Gateshead Stadium. Now they regularly get over 1,000, which just shows you how far they’ve come.
FUNNIEST PLAYER
I was at Newcastle as a young kid coming through and we had a leftback called John Bailey. He was a character alright.
One of the funniest things I ever saw involved John. It was our Christmas do in Durham and the theme was fancy dress. John turned up and from the front it looked like he was wearing a policeman’s uniform, but the back end was cut away and he had a bra, suspenders, the lot. We were driving to the event in a minibus and he jumped out in Newcastle city centre and started directing traffic.
All these cars were screeching to a halt thinking it was serious. Then he’d turn around and give them a little wave. The lads in the bus were howling with laughter.
FUNNIEST INCIDENT
Well, the above takes some beating but I have to mention Gazza again. Some of his pranks were unbelievable.
Once, we played Tottenham away and me and Gaz were rooming together. The rumour was I was going to make my debut, though it didn’t actually happen in the end.
Anyway, I went down for breakfast in the morning but Gazza didn’t bother. When I came back, he was waiting for me in the corridor, shaking his head.
He said, ‘Listen Boges, I know you’re nervous about making your debut but this is not on’. I said ‘What are you talking about?’
He beckoned me into our room and as we’re walking in he’s shouted for the cleaner, who’s standing there with all the towels and linen. Then he’s gone banging on all the doors to wake the lads up.
He shouted, ‘Lads, come and look – Boges has s*** the bed!’ He’d pulled the sheets back and smudged a packet of Rolos all over them.
The cleaner was looking at me as if to say ‘You’re disgusting’ and I was left there saying ‘No, no, no’. The lads were killing themselves.
BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT
Playing for Newcastle. I’d grown up watching the likes of Malcolm MacDonald, Mickey Burns and to emulate them was my dream.
As a manager, it was taking Gateshead into the Conference and doing it playing football the right way.
LOWEST MOMENT
Leaving Newcastle at the age of 21. When Gazza left for Spurs, I thought I’d get my break. And although I did
play in a few games, I didn’t get the run I’d hoped. The club was struggling and it was thought that young players couldn’t be trusted.
WIlly McFall left, then Jim Smith came in. He plumped for experience too. I eventually got sick and agreed to leave in a swap deal with Gary Brazil at Preston.
That was a mistake. In hindsight I should have stuck it out because Jim was sacked a few months later and Ossie Ardiles came in and played all the youngsters.
TOUGHEST PLACE TO GO
This is a tough one, but probably Sunderland. I went there with Port Vale the season they won the Championship.
They had Niall Quinn, Kevin Phillips, Lee Clark, Kevin Ball – basically the side that finished seventh in the Premier League.
They were on the crest of a wave and the support behind them was intense. I think we got smashed 4-0 that day.
TOUGHEST OPPONENT
I had the good – or bad – fortune to play against Arsenal in the FA Cup in 1998, the year they did the double.
We actually did fantastically well, drawing 0-0 at Highbury and then going 1-0 up at Vale Park before Dennis Bergkamp scored an absolute worldy.We eventually lost on penalties, and I missed one.
They had Martin Keown, Ian Wright, Emmanuel Petit, Mark Overmars. But, for me, Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour were the standouts.
Yes, they were terrific footballers but they were also tremendous athletes – their athleticism and running power was a real eye opener for us.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO
It’s always got to be St James’ Park, particularly when it’s full and jumping.
I only actually played there as an opponent once – for Millwall the year they won the Championship under Kevin Keegan. We got a 1-1 draw which was pretty good.
AMBITION
Just to get back into full-time football. I’m lucky that Newcastle have given me an opportunity to work with the Under-14s and I’m really enjoying developing these young lads.
But I’m still looking for something more. I had a great time at Gateshead, achieved a lot. I’ve got a lot of experience in terms of both playing and management and I think that could be useful somewhere.