Friendship of nations. Interview with Jonathan Shrager
Today we present an interview with British journalist Jonathan Shrager. Perhaps, for Russian-speaking fans of "Manchester United", the name of Jonathan is not at the hearing so we present a few examples of the works of Jonathan
1. Interview with Andreas Perreira – link;
2. Interview with Ryan Shawcross – video;
3. Interview with Paul McGrath – video;
4. Interview with с Guillem Balague – video;
Russian version of interview - link.
Andrey Zubov: To keep our readers better understand you, please tell us your story. Why "United", and how did you come to journalism?
Jonathan Shrager – [twitter]: I didn't choose United, United chose me. I’m a third generation Mancunian United fan, season ticket holder since the 90s. My grandad first visited Old Trafford in late 1910s, and my father in 1949 following United’s return to OT post-WW2. You could say it’s a family thing. My first visit to the Theatre of Dreams (More the Theatre of Mud when I first attended a match in the late 80s) was the start of a beautiful love affair and addiction that has endured ever since. I recently took my little boy (middle name Eric, in homage to the king) to the stadium. He’s only just turned 4 and he grew a bit restless after 20 minutes. But to be fair, his concentration levels probably outlasted most adults, given the tedious nature of some of the current brand of football. I’ll try again with him next season. I have to brainwash him, because his mother is a Blue (you’re probably now questioning my taste in women.) I’ve said he’s allowed to choose himself, as long as he chooses correctly.
Re journalism, well, I have no formal journalistic education, but my love of language coupled with a passion for sports resulted in this newfound vocation. I’ve not taken the traditional route as such, but then again “video journalism” is a very contemporary phenomenon. I love writing, but I also enjoy the immediacy of creating a YouTube piece. I do all my own work, from securing the interviewees, filming the interviews, editing, uploading and promoting via social media. It’s a comprehensive undertaking. I’m certainly no Steven Spielberg, and my production values can leave something to be desired, but I pride myself on the calibre of my content. I love to get to the heart of my subjects, and to the heart of our beloved Manchester United.
The biggest takeaway here for anyone who wants to try their hand at this type of thing, is to just give it a go.
A.Z.: In a period of two years, we are monitoring of various English journalists in search of interesting company. And I must confess that in the last year, we didn't hear about you. Now, in small circles, you are a famous person. How did you come to this?
J.S.: Whilst it’s very kind of you to say, I’m not a famous person, not even in small circles. Maybe only in (one small corner of) my local pub.
There’s a recent phenomenon emerging in modern-day football, the advent of the “super fan” or those seeking to be “famous fans.” Hardcore football fans frown upon this. I’m indifferent to it; each to their own, I suppose. But for me, I’m not doing my work to be stopped for a selfie outside Old Trafford. I do it out of love for my club, a labour of love from which I’ve earned zero money (in fact I’ve spent time, energy and money on producing my work.) I do it for fellow like-minded Reds who love United, and are keen to learn about the history of our wonderful football club. That’s not to say that I’d turn down work if it was offered to me. After all, the interviews are a showcase for my work, and it’s always nice to receive recognition and positive feedback from Reds who’ve enjoyed my interviews.
Jonathan with Philippe Auclair [author of Eric Cantona biography]
A.Z.: In general, how a narrow circle of journalists coupled with "United"? Do you cooperate with other colleagues, including from foreign countries?
J.S.: There are several prominent Northern football journalists who report predominantly on Manchester United, invariably for the national newspaper outlets. I’ve interviewed a few (namely Mark Ogden, Ian Ladyman.) They’re nice fellas, and good journalists. There are also some talented freelance writers who focus a portion of their efforts on Manchester United. Andy Mitten would be the prime example here, author of numerous brilliant United-related books and editor of acclaimed MUFC fanzine “United We Stand.” It’s a fantastic publication, completely independent, and I’d urge any United fan worldwide to subscribe. Andy, like myself, is an authentic piece of Mancunia, born and bred in Manchester.
A.Z.: Passing directly to your material (interviews). Last that I saw it your conversation with Andreas Pereira, Paul McGrath, Shawcross. How easy it is to communicate with famous, for fans of "United", people? This is particularly interesting moment for Russian fans, who are thousands of miles from their idols. Maybe you have any advice for foreign journalist that they had the opportunity to talk with former United players?
J.S.: It’s a lot harder to gain access to current players at United as the PR is increasingly monitored and restricted. It tends to be easier to reach players from previous decades, who played during an era of significantly lesser media scrutiny. You can locate a lot of ex-players on social media, with some having their own websites. Admittedly, it’s probably easier being born, bred and based in Manchester, as through my own circles I’ve been able to get to certain players. And of course it’s better to conduct interviews face-to-face.
But it’s always worth attempting to make contact, and we live in a technological world now wherein services such as Skype can facilitate online interviews. My key pieces of advice would be to be persistent, and also probe routes that aren't necessarily obvious. I’ve secured interviews via some very random and circuitous avenues.
I may have only ultimately reached 20% of the players I’ve approached, but I’ve never grown disheartened. Keep trying and steadily build up your portfolio. And start modestly. Some of my best interviews are with players who’ve only represented the club on a handful of occasions, but they offer fascinating insights and anecdotes.
A.Z.: In Russia the players are quite willing to give an interview to sports media, as this is the case in the UK? Are there any forbidden topics on which the players refuse to talk?
J.S.: In terms of my interviews, I always ask beforehand if there are any taboo topics. I try my utmost to earn my interviewees’ trust, as this is paramount to securing a good interview. I also offer to send a file of the interview to the players before I upload it to ensure they’re happy with the content, and I’m willing to make edits if requested. A player is much more likely to put me in contact with one of their fellow teammates if they like and trust me. I’d never sacrifice this for a controversial soundbite, as that’s a short-sighted policy. Invariably, ex-players are more willing to open up and discuss matters pertaining to their epoch at the club, especially if they’re no longer directly associated as an ambassador or media representative. Also, generationally, football was a totally different animal in decades past, almost unrecognisable to the commercial beast it has become. So players often have more amusing stories to recount regarding their off-field antics. Modern players simply can’t escape the scrutiny of the press in this day and age.
A.Z.: Among the many of your interviews, could identify any one that you remember most? Surely you have a dream, to talk with some specific people, if so, with whom?
J.S.: I’ve honestly enjoyed all of my interviews. As I alluded to earlier, sometimes the ones you expect the least from can yield the most insightful snippets. Daniel Nardiello regaled me with some cracking stories about Sir Alex, which really reinforced Fergie’s paternalistic influence on the youth players. He wouldn't allow Daniel to buy his own house until he'd undertaken a two-month cooking course at Carrington with the head chef.
Danny Higginbotham was brilliant, and it’s easy to discern why he’s proving progressively popular as a pundit in the media. I enjoyed his memories relating to United’s old training ground, The Cliff, which is ten minutes from my gaff, and I pass it en route to Old Trafford for every home game.
Philippe Auclair discussing his Cantona biography was captivating for me personally, as Eric was my first true footballing idol.
I have some interesting names lined up potentially for 2016. I’d be delighted if some of them materialise. Perhaps even one with a fellow countryman of yours, Andrei Kanchelskis. What a player he was, an integral part of my favourite ever United unit from 92-94.
A.Z.: If we talk about the game of "United", how do you assess the beginning of the second season of Louis van Gaal? Is it possible to say that the team finally withdrew from the management (and style games) of Sir Alex?
J.S.: Regarding the United of today, it’s a work in progress. Big Lou is setting the foundations. He was bequeathed an unenviable task of steadying the ship in the wake of Fergie’s ageing squad, compounded by the Moyes season, and there are sporadic signs of it coming good. The football is of course laborious at times, but with the right personnel, I think LvG can make it work, or certainly lay the correct foundations for the ensuing manager if he only wants to fulfil his three-year contract.
But I think it may require another couple of seasons to fully pay dividends. I’d expect us to be seriously challenging for the league by the end of next season, and Europe the season after. I recently interviewed Guillem Balague, who was insistent upon the fact that LvG will eventually get it right. And he’s basing his opinion on his own conversations with elite footballers such as Xavi who have played and thrived under Louis. I take heed of reputable reporters such as Guillem, and I was inspired by his conviction. The problem nowadays amongst younger generation United fans, exacerbated by the fickleness symptomatic of modern football, is that they’re impatient. They’ve grown accustomed to success, and the thought of a few trophy-less seasons seems disastrous. But I’d urge patience. We will get there amigos.
