Tett på nett: John Hartson og Robbie Earle

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John Hartson og Robbie Earle er to av Wimbledons aller viktigste spillere, og tok seg tid til å svare Vg Netts lesere. Hartson ble kjøpt inn fra West Ham for nesten 100 millioner kroner i januar og har en fortid fra Luton og Arsenal. Han er kjent for flere kontroversielle episoder - bl.a. da han sparket den tidligere lagkameraten Eyal Berkovitch i ansiktet på trening. Men først og fremst er han kjent for å være en meget talentfull spiss. Earle har vært i Wimbledon siden sommeren 1991 og kjenner «The Crazy Gang» fra innsiden. Han er nå kaptein for laget.

Tips oss gjerne om hvem du har lyst til å møte Tett på nett
Les tidligere intervjuer

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Intervjuet flyttet

Intervjuet med John Hartson og Robbie Earle er flyttet til torsdag 12. august. Beklager! VG Nett red.

Drillo drøyer

Wimbledon kom litt sent i gang med treningen i formiddag, og derfor må spillerne holde på litt lenger enn vanlig. Dette betyr igjen - dessverre - av Tett på nett-intervjuet blir noen minutter forsinket. Vi håper å være i gang klokken 15.00.VG Nett

Expectations

What did you think when you heard that "The mad professor - Drillo" was taking over as manager, and what did you expect he could do with the team (before you met him)? Good luck with the rest of the season!

I heard it while I was on my summer holiday. You don't know what to expect. We heard storys about him, but we have been very impressed. I lent him my golf clubs for only his second game of golf, so I try to get on the right side of him. His calmness has impressed me. He remines me of Arsene Wenger. He puts his point over very well without shouting.

The Mad English Professor

What do you think of Egil Olsen`s english? It must provide you with some funny moments

John: - His english is actually very good. He makes a few funny mistakes, but are club we take the mick in the right. Lars is also funny. We're laughing at him, but he's doing an excellent job. The practise with him is working.

Crazy Gang

When was the last time Drillo changed his boots?And,what does Drillo say to motivate the team before a match?I don`t think you`re going down with Drillo in command...

We burnt his boots after the Watford game. He just laughed and said he had three og four more. But we have a bigger surprise for him and the other new lads.
Drilo doesnt say much before the game. We have a little meeting where he puts his point over very well.

For Hartson: The Welsh national team

How is really the condition of the Welsh team? What would the team be like if you (for instance) loose Giggs?And do you think Wales has a fair chance to reach the Euro 2000?Best Regards, Ulm.

I think it will be very difficult to qualify. We've had our chances, but unfortunately we haven't taken them. Now we've got Mark Hughes as manager. I think it will be a fresh start for everybody. We got to aim for the next World Cup.

Success, John?

John, how do you feel about your chances of becoming a prolific goalscorer for Wimbledon this season?No offense, but what I've seen from you last season as well as against Watford Saturday does not suggest that you will. (Mind you, you were superior in the air)

I felt better more at home when Carl Leaburn came on, mainly because he took a lot of pressure off me. Then it allowed me to play of big Carl. That's how a got my goal, from Carl's setup. When I'm alongside another big striker, then he can take his share of challenges.

Too many Norweigans?

What do the two of you think about all the Norweigans comingto Wimbledon-too many???Have you given Badir and Andersen a special welcome yet??GOOD LUCK!!!!

No I don't think there are too many Norwegians. If they are quality, which these guys are, then we welcome them. It doesn't matter where they are from, but the fact that they are from Norway gives us an advantage because they know Egil and his system well.
We have got a surprise waiting for Badir, Andersen and Pedersen, but I can't give too much away.

Becoming pussycats???

After Drillo taking over, aren't you all afraid of becoming pussycats??

Drillo wants us to be even crazier. He wants us to have the crazy gang spirit, but I don't know if we can get crazier.

Wardrobemusic

Drillo was mentioning that he didn`t like the music you were playing before a game. What exactly is it?

We like to plays house and rap music. It's mainly Jason Euell and Marcus Gayle who provides the music. I like Tom Jones, Sterophonics and Catatonia, but the lads won't let me put the welsh groups on.

Long time no see?

John!What did Berkovic say when you kicked his face?Are you friends now?Was that the main reason you were sold too the Dons?

I don't know I reacted like that. It was a spur of the moment thing.
He was okay about it afterwards. I said I was sorry, and we remain very good friends. I saw him at Eurodisney while on holiday. We had a drink together with our families, and everything is now fine. I think he is enjoying his football at Celtic and I'm enjoying mine here.
I don't think that was the main reason why I was sold.

Loadsa Goals!

Do you reckon that once the defence is totally sorted we'll still be getting loads of goals? Or are we going to calm down a bit?I don't reckon we want to get too calm...

I think the manager will get the defence right in the end. Once that is sorted out, then I don't think we will have too many problems at the other end. We've score five goals already in two games and could have had more.

(Robbie Earle kan dessverre ikke svare for øyeblikket, men han håper å kunne svare på noen etterpå).

John Hartson?

Do you see alot of football on TV and what do you thing about Liverpool?

With two dogs and a daughter, I prefer to spend time with them and my wife. But if theres a top game, then I'll watch it.
I think Liverpool are a very good side. I don't think they'll win the league, but I think top six is realistic. But that might not be good enough for the fans.

Beer

Cheers, John & Robbie!What was the players reactions to Drillo's no-drinking-after-match-rule? Best regards from Gunnar

You have to respect what the managers says. The players are fine about it. We're all good profssionals.

LS&2SB

What do you think of the old Wimbledon-man Vinnie Jones in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels? Have either of you two plans to go into show biz when you're too old for footie? (I would ask what you think of your new coach, but I guess everyone else will :o))

Vinnie was home the last weekend and we went out for a drink with our wifes. He's the godfather ton our daughter and we are very good friends.
I thought he was an natural actor in the movie which I really enjoyed. I went to the premier with Vinnie. I have been offered to do a movie about Falklands war, but I haven't got the time at the moment. I have to concentrate soly on my football.

Drinking in London

Hi Robbie and John!I enjoy Wimbledon a lot - and my all time favourite is Vinny Jones. Do you agree that Jones is a player much better on the field than his reputation...?The next question is for Robbie. I have some friends who have worked on hotels in Norway when Dons have been on their summer-tours - and I`ve heard roumors about tricking old women to bed and hard drinking. But I guess this is just rumours...?So one for John: Drinking in London - what are your favourite place....?From Anders H

Vinnie is a better player than people give hime credit for. In London I like the top restaurants like Atlantic bar, Dover street wine bar and Langams. I don't go clubbing. It's not worth the hassel.

største forskjell på West Ham og Wimbledon.

Spørsmålet er til John Hartson.Hva er den største forskjellen,etter din mening ,mellom West Ham og Wimbledon klubbmessig?

We play totally different styles. West Ham like to keep the ball on the flooer, while Wimbledon does it in the air a lot more. But as players are concerned, there are top players at both clubs.
Both clubs are family clubs and nice clubs to play for with good reputations.

Mr Hartson, who is the hardest defender to play against?

Is there any defender that you remember especially?

Martin Keown is by far the best defender in the country. He's one of my greatest friends in football. I shared a room with him for two years at Arsenal.

Questions to Johnny

1. Is it true that you scream "Come on you Swansea boys" everytime you score?2. Do you miss West Ham or certain persons/ teammates there?3. What are the differences between West Ham and Wimbledon?Thank you

1) No, it's not true. But Swansea are special to me bacause I'm from that city and my family and friends still live there. I love going back home.

John Hartson: Goals target and playing system

1. How many goals do You aim to score this season?2. What do You think of the 4-5-1 system?

1) I hope to get about 20 goals this season. If I get more it will be brilliant. I think I'll set up more than I will score.

2) I like the system. It suits me because it will give me chances to score.

Expectations this season...

What are your expectations for this season? What do you think Egil Olsen can contribute with to this crazy gang?

I hope to finish as highs as possible and come to a cup final. I hope Egil can provide the club with some sucess and trophies, and I'm sure he can.

Thanks very much for the interest. I'll always try my hardest for the club and for Egil. Now I have to take care of my daughter.

Can you fight for a UEFA Cup place this season?

I have bet £50 pounds with my mate that Wimbledon will finish as nr. 7 or worse this season. Were do you see yourself in May?I hope you like Drillo. Don't burn his dog.Tore.

Robbie: - If we can finish at top ten with all the changes, that would platform. And maybe we could go further the next season.

Robbie Earle: Future at Wimbledon and Andersen tricks

1. I've been a Wimbledon supporter since 1975 and I'm a great admirer of You. With Your many talents I really hope that You want to work for the Dons also after Your playing days are over. Would You like to?2. How did the players welcome Trond Andersen at his first training session with the club?

1) My ambitions would be to one day manage the club. I've learned things under Joe Kinnear, and I'm learning from Olsen. One day I could maybe put this into practice.
2) We left him alone. It's important that he understands the cluv before we do any pranks him. He had a few stories to tell us from times when Wimbledon were in Norway. He's settled ok and the players like.

Egil Olsens extreme knowledge in geografi.

Hello John and Robbie.I am a familyfriend of Egil, and do you know that Egil has a spessial interest i geografi? If not, try to ask him at very difficult question regarding this. If he don't know the answer he will not give up untill he does...I promisse you will have a lot of fun with this.Vegard

We've allready gives him questions on many countries and he knew all the answers. We were very impressed.

expectations...

What can we expect from Wimbledon this year?What is the biggest difference between Egil Olsen and Joe Kinnear?

With the changes we will be a lot more direct, and this system will create more chances I think. We just need to do some more work on the zonal defence.
Egil and Joe are very different characters. Egil is quite quiet, while Joe is very lively and bubbly.

Answer these questions please.

Yo yo John and Robbie! What's your first impression of Trond Andersen? Do you think he's got the "little extra" to succeed in the Premier League? Are you guys going to burn,cut,paint any of his property as a welcome to the club soon? Aren't you especially keen to do something since you are quite new in the club John? If I was you, I couldn't wait...Good luck to you both! Cheers mates!

Robbie: - It's difficult to say beacuse we haven't seen him in matches yet, but he looks comfortabelt on the ball in training.
We'll give him some time to settle in, and then start working on his clothes.

Spectators and beer

Do you have any clue why Wimbledon don't have more spectators? Is it a tradition that all the team meet for some beers after the games?

Robbie: - We're still a young club and has only been in the league for about 25 years. More established clubs have generations of fans, but we are catching them up.

Robbie: - Under Mr. Olsen we are not allowed beers anymore. It's fine, and not a lot of the players drink anyway. It's changed a lot in the last few years. Everyone is concerned about they're diets.

The defence tactics

I understand Wimbledon have troubbels with Drillos defence tactics, what du you feel about the new style???

Robbie: - To change a system you need to work a lot on it. It will probably take a whole season to get the real benefits from the way he want's us to defend. There are certain partes we need to get better at, but in theory I think the tactics are very good.

Money .. Drillo's football philosophy

In foregin newspapers (like the english) Drillo's football philosophy has been looked on as something that has/will destroyed football.How do you feel about his way of football and how does you like to play football this way.At last, what will you players do when the press starts to hammer at Drillo?? Best wishes for the season but remember: You will never beat LEEDS :-)

There are a lot of english journalists, not managers, who take the football back in time. If Arsenal knock a long ball to Bergkamp, it's called a great pass. If we knock that same pass it's called a long boring ball. It depends how people interpes it.
We are always close together and supports each other, no matter what others says.

Success versus entertainment

Personally I don't find Egil Olsen's style of football entertaining. What do you think about it? And how do you valuate the need for entertainment versus success in today's football?

I beleive that you have to get success first and then you build the entertainment after that. Too many teams that concentrates on entertaining football first, instead of winning, gets relegated.

What about the babes, guys?!?

About looking, not playing...!!I know you Wimbledon players are famous for being real Casanova`s, with a bunch of ladies at all the parties. And there`s nothing better than that. But it`s not a secret that the norweigian girls are in another division compared with the british girls. If the norwegian girls are in the "premier league", then in what divisin are the british girls? Be honest now!! Who is your favourite norwegian and english beauty?? And please do not say your mum....Good luck with the games this year, i hope you win them all, except the 2? agaist Liverpool!!

My favourite beauty is my daughter. It's a bit unfair to put differant nationalities in different leagues.

TO ROBBIE

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY FOR LEEDS?

I think I'm a little too old to move to Leeds. The young Leeds players would call me a grandad.

Breakdown...

Now I would like to know if you guys really know what breakdown, in football terms, mean?

Robbie: - We understand that it means to regain possesion. It gives us a good chance for a counter attack. We're getting used to his termonology.

Fantestreker.

Hva gjorde dere av fantestreker med tore Pedersen, da han kom til klubben?

Robbie: - We haven't done anything with him yet, but we'll probably do something on the next away trip (at Everton).

Robbie, is it true that John...

A.T. here. Robbie, is it true that John have got a better hang of ladies after he came to Wimbo?

Robbie: - I don't think so. John is happily married and he's just become a father.

Jamaican Bob Team?

Robbie Earle:Any chance of joining the Jamaican bob-team inthe olympics when/if you retire from football?Good luck in the PL, both of you!Hope you win the lot!

Robbie: - No, I don't like the cold weather. No winter for me.

Robbie: Is it true that you once supported Manchester City?

If so, what was the funniest or strange incident you can remember from the stand at Maine Road?Best wishes for this season.Rolf Brown, City-fan since 1975.

Manchester City were allways my team when I grew up just outside Manchester. I remember Dennis Tuart getting his shirt ripped up by a full back.

Tjernås

Hi againEveryone is talking of Drillo over here in Norway. How is Lars Tjærnås going in Wimbledon??

He's settling in well. The players like him and he's quite funny. He joins in with the laughs and he's settled very well. Lars has some interesting ideas.

Reggea Boys

Robbie: It must have been great for you playning in the world cup with Jamaica. But i wonder what gave you the right to represent them?

Both my parents are from Jamaica, but I was born i England.

BIG FISH IN A SMALL POND

Robbie: I`ve allways regarded you to be the top player at the Dons! Having been a goalscoring mitfielder you surely have been important to the club. Now your not the youngest of blokes and your chance to play for any of the top-clubs has surely gone. Do you have any regrets having never won a major trophy or having played in front of 45.000 home crowd?

I don't think you should regret anything you do beacuse that's your experience. I believe in loyalty and I've been happy at Wimbledon.

Foreigners

How do you feel about the increasing number of foreigners playing in Premier League? In the game between Derby and Arsenal last night there were hardly any British players at all...

I think we have to monitor the numbers, but it gives som incentives for the young players to work harder and do better. There's probably too many at certain clubs that are looking at foreign players before they look at players in England.

Dead midfield..?

Hello, lads!I imagine that being a midfielder at Wimbledon must be a bit of a bore nowadays, as long as watching the ball is bound to give you a whiplash..?

We have strong necks in the midfield...

Thanks for interesting questions. We know we have friends in Norway. It would be nice to see you in the crowd at our games. It's been good to answer your questions.