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RN: The warmth you have for Aberdeen would ball brain than any other person I interviewed. be shared by any real football fan, you’ve seen He makes you step up to the plate; he com - the good and the bad times as an Aberdeen fan; mands your very best efforts! I am extremely for - do you agree with Fergie’s comment in the fore - tunate that with my Grandfather’s ( RN: a word to your book that your glory years were a respected journalist ) connection he was always ‘miracle’? very welcoming and spent time chatting to me about my family, Glasgow, Aberdeen and my Ally Begg: “Miracle can be defined as a “won - work at MUTV before actually getting into the derful occurrence”. I find this quite apt to de - crux of the interview. Thankfully he always said scribe that period in my life. It was the perfect “well done” after every interview so I knew I time to grow up and I feel quite blessed to have could go home in the safe knowledge that the experienced all the fantastic times under Sir ALLY BEGG INTERVIEWED boss was pleased with my days’ work, those Alex. I suppose it was a minor miracle what the two little words (well done) is what makes you Club achieved considering the domination of “buzz off your tits”!!” the Old Firm in Scotland at the time. Take into consideration Sir Alex had no money to spend RN: How does it work, would he say which and was told quite sternly by the Club Chairman subjects were off topic beforehand, or did you at the time to work with his youth players, it and the presenters or the club make those shows the mark of the man and his coaches judgements? I’m thinking of his mind games, how they all moulded a team which would go on when he did say something, or didn’t, subjects to have the amount of success they did. Maybe covered and not… I can argue he created his own miracle!” AB: “Thankfully in my experience no subject RN: Can you see similarities in the difficulties was ever off topic. Working for a Club Channel faced after he left Aberdeen with United right differs from a normal broadcaster – the club has now? editorial control (and rightly so) so your ques - tions have to be carefully thought out before - AB: “To be honest not really, the game in the hand. It was always very important to me that I past 30 years has changed so much its almost found a balance between editorial decision unrecognisable. Sir Alex was given time, David making and not insulting the intelligence of the Moyes was not – I’m now starting to wonder fan. A fan knows when the wool is being pulled how much of the three years Mr Van Gaal will over their eyes; they pay their subscriptions actually be given to turn things around. The after all so deserve the very best from us. I al - pressure to deliver results is all that matters ways went through my questions with the play - these days, not building teams or working hard ers and Sir Alex prior to the cameras rolling so I behind the scenes. With the legacy that Sir Alex would not catch them unprepared. Trust played has left behind if United do not win the League a huge part in my time at MUTV so I believe I that is deemed as failure – whether we like it or was always able to get the best out the player not! It’s all there for us to see the impact of not as they knew I had no agenda!” qualifying for the Champions league, the finan - cial impact is huge – it wasn’t back when Sir RN: Which interview stands out for you and Alex first started.” why? RN: Clearly you had a nice bond with him AB: “Too many to mention to be honest. The when you worked at MUTV; I can imagine first time I interviewed Sir Alex after newly join - though there is a mix between buzzing your tits ing MUTV was simply exhilarating. I had not off and shitting yourself before each interview seen him for many years and was visibly shak - with the hairdryer always at the back of your ing as he walked into the room. My co-presen - mind, is that a fair review?! ter at the time at MUTV, Jeannie B, gave me a gentle dig in the ribs and whispered in my ear to AB: “Absolutely, in my book I have told the tale behave myself which helped calm me down. of meeting him personally and professionally, on After making the introductions and discovering the odd occasion I did interview him I spent I was an Aberdeen fan and the grandson of more time preparing, checking my questions, John Begg, Sir Alex took me to one side and making sure I did not insult his incredible foot - told me what a great man my Grandfather was RN PAGE 16. 16-19_RN template 24/11/2014 21:30 Page 2

and that I should be incredibly proud. He also the rules. I think it’s testimony to all those that said how delighted he was that I was on-board have worked there and continue to work there at MUTV and to make sure I carried on my that the channel and the club have a fantastic Grandfather’s legacy. We had a window of 10 relationship and have stood the test of time minutes to interview the gaffer – he stayed with where others have failed. Yes, there have been us for 30 minutes chatting about winning the ups and downs but that’s only to be expected. European Cup and life as a whole at United – a The guests should in my opinion have freedom truly magnificent day!” of speech but for an amicable relationship to continue words have to be chosen carefully, it RN: Every player is different of course, Roy will only work this way whether we like it or not. Keane said on his book tour that the players did - I had the same problems at Celtic TV when n’t like doing MUTV as it was a distraction, ALLY BEGG INTERVIEWED guests were banned from the channel for their what’s your take? Who stood out (and didn’t)? over exuberant comments. I personally did not AB: “I think he’s talking utter bollocks. I don’t agree with the banning of guests as it is a per - think the players believed doing MUTV was a sonal opinion after all. For me it was all about distraction, it may have been a pain if they making good television and if the odd criticism wanted to get off home or had pressing matters slipped into the chat I had no problems with it. I but I believe most players upon entering the stu - also believed the players needed to be a bit dio simply got on with it. They all respected we more thick-skinned when I was there and ac - had a job to do as much as they had a job to do. cept that constructive criticism comes with the Meeting David Beckham for the first time was territory – at both United and Celtic.” surprisingly easy as his world fame at the time RN: I think a lot of Reds enjoy certain aspects (2002) was astonishing. His humbleness left a to MUTV - United in Press, press conferences, lasting impression on me. Ryan Giggs was great games with Paddy Crerand, etc - but feel it fun as was Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Sol - could be and do so much more (it rarely shows skjaer. Phil and Gary Neville’s professionalism say press conferences live or breaking events always impressed me. I enjoyed chatting to all live), and has a lot of repeats. Was that some - the players and staff to be honest, I can’t recall thing you and colleagues were aware of? Is that ever coming out the studio thinking “Christ that a fair criticism? was hard work” even when I interviewed Mr Keane – bless him!” AB: “Living abroad since 2007 means I have not seen MUTV for many years now but I con - RN: Was there pressure from above over con - tinue to have friends to this day that work at the tent, restrictions on anything critical being said channel and work incredibly hard to deliver the (for example I’m thinking of Stuart Pearson after very best content to the fans. I have been told his comments after a Derby Day defeat?) How that the channel is vastly improved since I left much freedom did you have/do they have? ten years ago in terms of delivery and produc - AB: “We had to be very careful and mindful of tion value. I joined when the channel was still not being overly critical. MUTV represents the very much in its infancy and yes there were football club and has to abide by many repeats but the schedules had to be filled.

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At the time MUTV had in relative terms a small AB: “It’s only been since meeting my wife that team who worked round the clock to deliver. I now look back on that period in my life with a They could only do so much with the resources great deal of fondness. It took many years of at hand. We also have to take into consideration soul-searching, questioning of one’s sanity and budgets, trust me when I tell you running a club reasoning to be fully comfortable with what I ex - channel is not cheap and has to run within its perienced. For many years I distanced myself means. I can also tell you all that work at MUTV from the band and anything to do with it. I strive to make the channel better, it’s why we do wanted to be taken seriously by those that em - the job we do!” ployed me but found that hard to come by es - pecially when I secured freelance work with Sky RN: 1999-2004 was a pretty special period at Sports News. In the short time I was there I be - United, what was it like watching it unfold so lieved nobody took me seriously as I was carry - closely? ing this baggage. To be honest I was glad when AB: “I joined the season after United won the I left. Writing the chapter in my book helped me treble so it was incredibly exciting. To be frank get many frustrations off my chest and open up as this was my major breakthrough in terms of about the nonsense that was Bad Boys Inc. broadcasting and my career the performances Today, I don’t give a shit what people think or if on the pitch almost took a back-seat. I was so they want to judge me on something I worked engrossed on improving my presenting style on 20 years ago. I am extremely fortunate and and broadcasting skills I rarely took the time to blessed to have gone through that experience enjoy the actual game of football – as bizarre as and in years to come I can sit down with my wee that may sound! I made it my mission to gain the boy and tell him that his Dad once performed on trust of Sir Alex, his back-room staff and the Top of the Pops and had a top 10 hit!” players that the results almost became second - RN: You are self depreciating over the baggage ary. I knew I had my weaknesses as a broad - of celebrity in the Bad Boys chapter, and the caster and needed to improve my skill set. abuse you received (from Dundee fans at a MUTV was the perfect platform for me to learn game vs Aberdeen) as part of that but you’ve the trade; I made many mistakes along the way, seen the spotlight thrown now onto footballers some which to this day I still regret like pop stars once were, does that shift surprise but the channel helped mould you? me into the broadcaster I became. I take it as a huge AB: “No not really, I think football and compliment that Phil “Meeting celebrity go hand-in-hand these days. Neville, Andrew Cole, Beckham for George Best started it, others followed Mikael Silvestre, Louis in the 70s and 80s but it was only Saha and Mike Phelan the first when David Beckham came along that who have all been out the current celebrity culture surround - here in Qatar as guests time was ing player’s sky rocketed. I also think remembered me and with the modern day social media craze take time out their busy surprisingly professional football players have be - schedules to meet for cof - easy” come more accessible to the public and fee and reminisce about days media. It’s almost impossible to pick up a gone by.” paper or a gossip driven magazine (not that I ever do) and see a story about a pro be it edito - RN: So what are you up to now? rial or endorsement. It’s just the way our society AB: “After spending 7 years in Singapore I now has moved in the past 30 years, we have be - reside in Doha, Qatar. I moved here last August come obsessed with celebrity – to be honest I to take up a Senior Football Producers role with find it all mundane and unnecessary. beIN Sports. Last season I produced our Pre - RN: And where do you see football going; mier and Champions League coverage and pro - more games on tv, can the PL survive at this duced the World Cup. This season I was tasked pace and rate? with improving our Europa League coverage as well as over-seeing our European coverage from AB: “In my opinion the game is doing just fine. La Liga, Serie A, French Lique 1 to the Bun - As long as the broadcasters and administrators desliga. I also dip into International football remember the core component in their dealings when called upon, only recently I produced the – the fans – I believe football will continue to Scotland v England game but the less said flourish. The Premier League will continue to about that the better!” build with broadcasting rights up for tender very soon and international sports broadcasters RN: So, we’d better mention it… a member of keen to continue the relationship. Yes, we will Bad Boys Inc… it sounds both surreal and see more games on TV; I have no issues with barmy from the book, but you lived it, how do this. For some it’s the only way to follow their re - you feel now looking back at that spell? spective teams, especially if you live abroad. RN PAGE 18. 16-19_RN template 24/11/2014 21:30 Page 4

Long may it continue!” ber of shows and reminisce about days gone by frequently. I have also been very fortunate to RN: Will United one day go it alone with tv keep in touch with most of the ex-players who rights? were regular guests on MUTV such as Lee Mar - AB: “No, I don’t think they will, I don’t think the tin, Lou Macari, Clayton Blackmore and occa - Premier League will allow it. As far as MUTV are sionally chat on with Eric Harrison and Alex concerned retaining the secondary rights is key Stepney. It’s also been fantastic having the likes to their core business. As a fan that is unable to of Phil Neville, Andrew Cole, Louis Saha, Mikel actually go to games, being able to see the full Silvestre, Mike Phelan and David Moyes over in 90 minutes on the Club Channel is the perfect Qatar. I enjoy nothing better than having a few service to keep up to speed with performances, minutes with the guys to talk football and MUTV. etc.” It’s the one aspect of my job which I love, being able to enjoy the company of such great players RN: Will we see this 39th game abroad? and names from the world of football.” AB: “Possibly, it all depends where the game RN: So why should RN readers buy this book? will be played. The Premier League Asia Trophy has proved very popular in the Far East. Having AB: “My book is a journey through life as a lived in that part of the world for many years I football fan – yes it’s top heavy about Aberdeen can appreciate how popular the Premier League FC but I wanted all fans to be able to relate to is. It was almost impossible to walk down Or - the story. I have done my best not to make the chard Road in Singapore and not see a jersey book autobiographical but to some it may read of some description on every second person. like this when I tell the tale of Bad Boys Inc and The big four are hugely popular so a Manches - my broadcasting career but I have tried to add ter United v Liverpool game could be the way to a football spin to those chapters. I would like to go. The NFL has given it a bash in London so think that United fans will enjoy my writings of why not try it with football? I’m open to the my time with MUTV and find the whole broad - idea.” casting chapters interesting if not a tad intrigu - ing! I have also attempted humbly to make the RN: You come from a prestigious family of book a form of inspiration to those that strive for football journalists, what’s your view on football more. I knew from an early age I wanted to be journalism nowadays? different and life a varied life as I possibly could. With a great deal of ambition, determination and AB: “My grandfather and my Uncle (now re - self-belief I was able to reinvent myself after the tired) were proper football journalists, simply split of the band and forge what I would like to there to report the facts. They were both loved think was a fairly successful broadcasting ca - and respected by all in the game. If a player, reer. Trust me when I tell you if I can do it, any - manager or board member told either “this goes one can do it! no further” it didn’t! They were able to gain the trust of all they came into contact with. I’m not The book (Begg to Differ by Ally Begg) can be sure I can say the same of most modern day bought via the normal routes: Amazon, Water - journalists. Saying that I don’t blame them as all stones or direct via my publishers website are competing with each other for headline sto - RudlingHouse.com” n ries and put under a great deal of pressure by their Editors. My Uncle many years ago stopped Thanks to Ally for his time. We found him a re - going to press conferences as some of his peers ally nice bloke to deal with who went out of his would steal the line from his question and use it way to help. as part of their report – lazy journalism at its best! There are some great journalists out there who deserve much credit for their writing and journalistic skills. I always enjoyed the “United “So Joel, if in Press” show on MUTV, to be able to pick the you agree, I’ll brains of esteemed journalists like Stuart Math - cancel the ieson and Steve Bates was always great fun!” Strootman deal RN: Are you still in touch with anyone from and order your MUTV/United days? 100,000 more AB: “Yes I still chat on with most folk from my twitter fol - days at MUTV. The power of Facebook and lowers for Twitter has certainly helped me re-acquaint with old friends. My first ever news producer, Camp - Daley Blind. bell Gray has remained a very close friend over Back of the the years. Andy Kerr (former reporter) and I now net, Mister work together in Doha, I produce him on a num - Potato.” PAGE 19. RN