Sharp as a Razor: Neil Ruddock on XY
A reformed alcoholic, and a decent Premiership defender in his time, Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, was one of the true characters of the game in the 90s. His new reality show, a ten-part series on Bravo called Saved by the Ball, follows him and his team of experts as they seek to turn around the lives of 18 dysfunctional men…
Lovejoy on Soccer AM is annoying. He thinks he’s a superstar, but he’s rubbish.
Do you have any heroes?
Hong Kong Phooey - ‘cos he is quicker than the human eye’ and he’s a speaking dog with a sore throat.
Who’s the most annoying celebrity you’ve come across?
Well Louis Walsh really annoys me…but as for someone I’ve met – Tim Lovejoy on Soccer AM is annoying. He thinks he’s a superstar, but he’s rubbish.
Which woman would you date if your wife wasn’t in the way?
She’s standing next to me so I can’t answer that haha! No-one, I’m happy. OK, Kate Winslet’s lovely – she’s beautiful.
When’s the last time you kissed a man?
My dad yesterday after he came round for dinner.
Who intimidated you as a footballer?
My managers. They were the only people I was scared of: they’ve got your career in their hands. Terry Venables and Graeme Souness was very intimidating, even George Graham when I was at Millwall.
If you were made England football coach tomorrow what would be the first thing you’d do?
I’d do something to get me in the papers, get caught and then get a pay rise!
I’d also decide whether to play Lampard or Gerrard because they can’t play together: it has to be one or the other. They’re both great players but you have to decide which one to use because they’re so similar.
You're known to love a sing-song. What was the last concert you went to?
It was a tribute to Elton John. But the Rifles is my band - I love them. I also love Oasis and I’m gonna see Status Quo.
So what’s your new programme all about?
We took 18 losers from society – half of them were out boozing doing no good. They had three months to make it into a team which plays against celebrity team in the end. We give them drink and drugs, anger management and nutritional advice. They all lose weight, their families love them again.
Have you gotten over your own drink problem?
I don’t think you ever get over it. It’s always there in the background.
Finally, ever thought of changing your nickname from ‘Razor’?
No I won’t change it. But the only nickname I’ve ever heard better than that is ‘Nightmare’.
That name just says it all.
