The Paul Cheesley interview.
There are actually kids now who support City who do not know Paul Cheesley is! Well on the 21ST August 1976 v Arsenal Paul Cheesley gave the one of greatest if not the greatest performance of front line play ever seen in a City shirt which was full of pace, power and phenomenal ability in the air. One week later Cheesley career was over due to injury. There was absolutely no doubt that in a time where Mick Channon and Malcom McDonald were playing up front for the International team Cheesley would have become an England regular. Cheesley could shoot with power of either foot, had explosive pace off the mark and the all ready mentioned heading ability where he couuld hang in the air which constantly drew team mates into the game. Nobody has come close to Cheesley since.
Q: What did it feel like running out the tunnel at Highbury for the first game following promotion to the first division"?
A: Great to see all the City fans there but I just wanted to get into them!
Q: I have watched that performance v Arsenal several times on video as it is often played in the Three Lions. To me it is hard to believe you would have not played for England regularly. Did you feel you were going to be an a international?
A: A lot of people have asked me the same question so I guess their thoughts were to the positive. Me I think I would have a good chance.
Q: My father says that goal at Highbury was one of the happiest days of his life.
A: Mine too.
Q: Do ever think people take football too seriously when you hear remarks like that?
A: I don't think so. People get passionate about the game everywhere and why not.
Q: How come you didn't dance with the corner flag, rock a baby, moonwalk or do some other "unique comedy" celebration when you scored?
A: None of that was invented when I was around.
Q: How's the Knees these days?
A: Crap! I need a new knee joint in my left leg after having the right one renewed in May 2000. Be nice to play golf again.
Q: Are you still in touch with any of the players socially from 76?
A: We speak from time to time and meet not often enough. Usually at a reunion or somebody's funeral.
Q: City's promotion team in 76 possessed a lot of facial hair .Could this have been the secret of their success and would you like to see a renaissance in big moustaches at the Gate?
A: That was just a trend at the time, especially the long hair [which most of us can't grow anymore].
Q: Did you model your moustache on Bryan Drysdales?
A: It took ages to thicken mine up. Speedy always had a good one.
Q: Do you think City took to long to recognise the contribution made by those eight players in 82?
A: Definitely! Especially when a few years later they announced the club was well into the "black".
Q: Who was the best center half you played against and why?
A: Any center half who won more than 50% of ball in the air against me was good but I could not pick any individual out.
Q: Who in the current England team is the young Cheese? And who would he have alongside him?
A: I don't really know. There are many good players around but all have different attributes. Also the fact that the game is so different and demands changing styles of player.
Q: Who was the best player that you played with and why?
A: All the Bristol City players in the 76 promotion squad. Because they all wanted to win and were all mates. Great team spirit!!
Q: Gary Johnson has continually called for support from fans. Was vocal support from City fans important to you as a player?
A: Yes. Especially away from home. When you hear the fans you tend to want to fight more for the result.
Q: Looking back through the last few decades who would have been your perfect strike partner Taylor, Cole, Dziekanowski, Bas savage …..who?
A: Probably Chris Garland. I think we could have done a job for the club.
Q: What is your opinion of the current administration at our club?
A: No comment.
Q: Are you still involved in the game at all - coaching young players or scouting missions?
A: No. Nothing these days. Not enough time, but its a shame really because I enjoyed watching the kids develop.
Q: Is the gap between divisions Premier ship and the Championship really bigger these days or is it all media/Sky bullshit to sell dishes?
A: No. I think the void is massive. It's a real money game now and to survive in the premiership you need that and a lot of it. Also a lot of luck with the right hierarchy at the club.
Q: Oh and ask him if he remembers old Roger Malone? Bet he does, the rascal!
A: Yes. Mainly the match commentator days when he was forever making mistakes. Nice bloke though.
Q: Without being all fawning no fan has a bad word to say about you so do you think in comparison today's players have an image problem?
A: Maybe today's player are to aloof from the fans which makes them unapproachable. The money does that. Frightened to find out how you feel about things "we" knew how you felt.
Q: What do you think of the state of football now?
A: The money is obscene these days. Also too much diving around and acting on the pitch. But ain't it quick now!
Q: Ever had any fucking crazing stalking bints or is it just now in the modern plastic football days we are seeing crazy bitches?
A: A couple of stalkers but nothing to shout about or to get a divorce over.
Q: It took a great deal to stop you when you played what do you think of players who constantly dive?
A: Send them off! FIFA should give that directive it will take a little time but it would probably solve the problem.
Q: City have started this season like ten thousand men. Where realistically would you like to see them finish this season?
A: For me, every point is a point towards survival. They have had a fantastic start and don't look out of their depth. We must consolidate for a couple of seasons and then the final push for the top. Play offs would be a massive bonus.
End of interview, good bloke Cheesley now Landlord of the Knowle hotel. If any young un's want an education get yourself a copy of City v Arsenal and watch what Cheesley reduces David O'Leary to. It really is a perfect example of how to lead a line which even the likes of Alan Shearer would have been proud of. below is 3.49 minutes of the game but the full game is available from the club shop.
