Les Ferdinand
Who’s the best player you’ve played with?
Ashley Adams, Greenwich
Paul Gascoigne was exceptional, as was David Ginola. Roy Wegerley was also a fantastic player. When I was at QPR, he scored a goal against Leeds that won Goal of the Season. I’ve never seen anyone go past players as easily as he did. But because, at the time, he was close to being the best footballer in the world, I’d probably say Paul Gascoigne.
Who was the toughest defender you ever faced?
Patrick Hunt, Bushey
Probably Tony Adams. Whenever I came up against a defender I’d assess where I could beat them. If he was good in the air, I’d think that my pace in behind would give me the edge. If he was quick, chances were, I could probably out jump him. But Tony Adams would drop off and get himself into position where it was difficult to beat him either in the air or on the ground. Also, my era of playing against Tony Adams was when the defenders were allowed to come through the back of you. And Tony Adams was never shy of coming through the back of you. When the laws changed to stop the tackle from behind, at first, defenders where allowed one bite of the cherry before being booked. As a forward, when the ball was coming towards you, you would stand there thinking, ‘Here it comes.’ Soon as he’d tackled you from behind, he’d get up, point to Steve Bould and say, ‘Now it’s your turn.’
You scored the 10,000th goal in Premiership history, but which was your best?
Rupert Holland, Hereford
I scored a thirty yarder against Manchester United for QPR - that’s one that always springs to mind. I’ll always remember my first goal for Newcastle, which was against Coventry. The free-kick I scored against Oldham for QPR is also up there.
You played until the ripe old age of 38. What’s your secret to staying young? Early nights? Cucumber face-packs? Lots of sex? Seriously though, you’ve had in incredibly long playing career. What’s been the highlight?
Alan Tierney, Reading
Desire to play was what kept me going. When I was 28, I always said that if I’d played in the Premiership until I was 33, I’d have had a good career, but I played until 38. In that time, I guess the highlight was playing for England. That was something I’d always dreamed of, and when it happened, it felt great.
Sir Les can be seen every week on Setanta Sports’ live coverage of the Premier League.