Paul McCarthy
@PaulMcCarthy66
Followers
26K
Following
3K
Media
243
Statuses
12K
media consultant, West Ham fan and, most importantly, proud husband, dad and grandad to Pixie
Joined June 2010
Brand New Podcast. Press Box Confidential. New episodes every Tuesday. @theofficialfwa @WilliamHill #PBC
6
13
28
When acting as a media advisor to @sterling7 , I once asked a tabloid news reporter who had written several derogatory stories about Raheem why he was singled out above seemingly every other Premier League footballer for this kind of treatment.
132
3K
5K
Five years ago, Raheem Sterling was the scapegoat post-Iceland. All that shit about his mother’s house, hIs lifestyle and a total attempt to destroy him. Now he’s a match-winner and an MBE. Nice response.
57
164
5K
Jesus, even fans are doing that ridiculous talking behind their hands bollocks in case Martin Tyler can lip read
108
895
4K
Bear with me, a somewhat lengthy thread. What Gareth Southgate HASN'T DONE. 1. Employed a faith healer, dropped England's best player for two key games out of spite, insulted the disabled.
258
377
4K
This is @JHenderson and he is the @theofficialfwa Footballer of the Year. You may not like it. You may not agree with it. But he joins the most illustrious list of recipients in the English game dating back to 1948. And I was delighted to vote for him
89
243
3K
You know what, VAR is even worse on Twitter. You see a goal scored, get all excited, scroll through a stack of Brexit crap and speculative transfer stories and then, BAMMM, goal ruled out. Sickener.
27
387
3K
One hugely encouraging thing from last night. A youngish bloke (mid-20s?) tried to start a chant of ‘10 German Bombers’ in the pub. Basically got told to shut the f*** up by everybody around him. He slunk away and the pub cheered his departure.
77
261
2K
But we cannot ignore the fact elements of the newspaper industry propagate covert and overt racism. Not against ALL young, black footballers but against those who don't fit into an historic white, middle class view of 'knowing their place.'.
23
491
2K
Yet there are certain sections which go beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable. I'm glad that @sterling7 has had the courage to voice his views. It's probably long overdue.
36
193
2K
Yes, it’s behind a paywall. Yes, it’s a long read. But this is also the most devastating takedown of a Prime Minister’s ineptitude, an ineptitude which has cost thousands their lives. Superb journalism .
74
159
923
This unadulterated love-in for a side getting hammered by six just because they run hard is a bit fucking puzzling.
34
79
896
Listening in awe to the mighty @alanshearer as he accepts the NE FWA Personality of the Year. He’s raised over £11m for charity since his retirement and is truly the best of us
15
48
781
I've thought long and hard about this series of posts because I don't want to be accused of biting the hand that fed me for many years. But I've seen it from the other side and I'm distinctly uncomfortable with the kind of attitudes that see somebody like Raheem as 'fair game'.
6
148
662
My argument was, had it been Raheem, he would have been denounced and accused of living the 'bling' lifestyle (tabloid shorthand for a young black lifestyle) and made a scapegoat whereas Aguero didn't receive anything like the same level of opprobrium.
6
182
658
Despite a lengthy discussion, the reporter couldn't give me any answer other than, 'Well, you know, Raheem should expect it. That's just how it is.'.
11
259
664
Apologies in advance for a somewhat lengthy thread but as Executive Secretary of @theofficialfwa it's become a real concern to see so many young sports journalists suffering mental health issues through simply trying to do their job.
38
111
614
Astonishing effort from @GaryLineker @GNev2 @rioferdy5 @Carra23 @JanAageFjortoft @henrywinter @OllieHolt22 @draper_rob @johncrossmirror and many others to get to 100k in 10 hours
18
36
578
What Gareth Southgate HAS done. 1. Been England's second most successful tournament manager.
13
13
542
This came off the back of Sergio Aguero fracturing a rib in a car crash in Amsterdam when he'd taken a private jet to a concert during a few days off. It made the papers but barely raised a ripple.
4
167
498
Spurs appointed Nuno when he was on a downward trend at Wolves having alienated players, lacked communication ability and played rather dour football. What did they exactly expect from their fifth choice manager?.
40
72
485
I love newspapers. Until seven years ago, I made a career of being a tabloid sports reporter so I'm hardly going to wholly denounce an industry that gave me a comfortable lifestyle and allowed me to travel around the world covering the finest sporting events.
5
120
417
It’s a brilliant £1billion stadium that Spurs have built. And the acoustics are magnificent. You can actually hear a pin drop when you ask why they haven’t won anything for five years.
37
57
437
Desperately sad news. Steve Stammers passed away tonight after a short illness. He was one of the finest London story getters and a long time member of @theofficialfwa.
104
54
439
Still being part of Europe on November 1 is a very decent birthday present. Long may it continue.
38
9
421
2. Made England players enjoying wearing the shirt once more.
2
6
401
I will always have an admiration for those who work tirelessly in the newspaper industry to provide a service which is entertaining, informative, thought-provoking and which often holds those in power to the kind of account they deserve.
5
104
368
3. Managed with dignity and intelligence, encouraging players to express themselves articulately both on and off the pitch.
4
6
388
Mourinho surely loving what’s happening at Bournemouth. Goal difference will be a huge factor in the battle for 8th.
17
109
387
I would take Messi every day as the best player I’ve seen but for the big occasion, Ronaldo is utterly peerless.
17
60
383
4. Never once ashamed, embarrassed or scandalised his employers.
3
5
348
This whole Kuenssberg/Peston/Hancock’punch’ farce is symptomatic of the Twitter world we inhabit. Even the most respected political correspondents would rather be first and wrong than second and right.
15
48
344
Desperately sad news that @theofficialfwa Life Member Hugh McIlvanney has passed away at the age of 84. The finest sports writer of his generation and a giant of journalism. He set standards very few can ever hope to match.
17
81
333
When Spurs were bidding for the Olympic Stadium, the nation was outraged Daniel Levy wanted to knock it down and start again. I make him a visionary.
21
51
324
2. Encouraged a gambling culture within the England squad, resigned in a toilet in a fit of pique.
2
8
295
Spurs hierarchy upset that Kane story left Ryan Mason having to field questions he couldn’t answer. Yet they weren’t too bothered when a young manager in his first week had to fend off Qs about the ESL.
1
31
294
Can we all stop the illusion that Marco Arnautovic is some kind of cult hero at West Ham instead of just another in a long list of grasping chisellers ripping the backside out of the club but thinks because he crosses his arms and says ‘bubbles’ now and again we’ll forgive him.
22
47
272
3. Embroiled the FA in a series of sex scandals, been conned by a fake sheikh and been in absolute thrall to celebrity.
1
7
266
@LSAblue @sterling7 Hi Chris. I made a similar point when there was the faux controversy over Raheem’s gun tattoo. So the answer is yes.
1
7
245
5. Gone out of two major tournaments in the most embarrassing fashion, once without even making it past the group stages.
9
8
266
4. Used the England job merely as an opportunity to line his pockets.
3
7
254
@BBCMOTD @5liveSport Yes, let’s ignore the record-breaking goalscorer who could help his side to the Treble because all he does is score goals. I gave up on Garth Crooks and his insufferable bumptiousness in about 1998.
5
5
253
6. Been foolishly naive and found himself at the centre of a newspaper sting.
8
7
238
Nothing but admiration and praise for @WayneRooney for his donation of £75,000 to @NSPCC No matter what Government or the cynics would have you believe, the vast number of elite footballers are socially aware, realise how lucky they are and want to help those less fortunate.
3
25
239
A quick heads up for the latest phishing con. I’ve just had an email from the CEO of my company telling me my employment has been terminated with immediate effect with an attachment outlining my severance payment. Only problem is that I AM the CEO and I’ve decided to keep me on.
10
33
259
I'm sure Jack Grealish is, largely, doing what Pep wants. But the sight of him barely beating a player, simply dropping a ball off to a fullback or midfielder is heart-breaking given the freedom with which he used to play. I don't think he can be sure of a Euros place.
11
15
248
I was very fortunate to be at a lunch last week where @AlexScott was one of the experts giving her views. The research she does shames many who just rock up to give top-of-the head opinions. She’s not unique in that but she is incredibly diligent and deserves utter respect.
4
23
245
This callous, lying, chiselling, disgusting shithouse of an election campaign is nearly over. On Friday morning we will inevitably be governed by a callous, lying, chiselling shithouse of a Tory Prime Minister. Shame on Labour for not being able to unseat this dreadful human.
39
31
230
On Final Score, the reporter at Carrow Road has just said somebody has been handed an early Easter present. A couple of points 1. Easter isn’t until April the flipping 4th 2. What exactly is an Easter present?.
21
17
225
I really enjoyed working with Raheem Sterling for a couple of years. Throughout all the crap thrown at him he remains incredibly humble and devoted to his family. He’s a young man at the top of his profession enjoying the rewards.
5
55
218
Imagine if Liverpool spend the £145m wisely. Like on six new goalkeepers.
7
64
210
Mum-in-law just phoned in tears. Her and my father-in-law been contacted by the local NHS to have their vaccine next week. So happy and so relieved. Amazing what a small bit of good news can do to people’s spirits.
6
5
193
Greg Clarke: How did the briefing go?.Martin Glenn: Fine. Mentioned swastikas, Isis, Mugabe and, you know, the Star of David, but I think I got away with it.GC: Nice one, nobody can complain about that, can they?.MG: Nope, I’ve put the Pep question nicely to bed.
5
60
178
Imagine football without the incredible, unbelievable drama we’ve just seen in the Championship. Imagine a plastic, anaemic season of games with absolutely nothing on it. I know 12 people who can imagine just that.
13
27
180
Surprised Son could see to score given his fractured cheekbone, two black eyes and a broken nose.
9
23
171
Remember when Boris Johnson was just a bumbling figure of fun on ‘Have I Got News For You’ and we laughed at his faux incompetence? Amazing how that act became legitimised to the point where he could f*** a whole country and not just his mistress.
6
33
152
@StuBrennanMEN I’m not arguing with the basic premise of your piece because I’ll leave that to LFC fans. But what average players has Pep improved? And how about turning good players into average ones like Stones?.
16
7
156
Desperately saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Curry. To spend time in his company was to live life to the fullest but also to know what it meant to be a ferociously combative reporter of the highest order.
12
12
151
I am very much looking forward to FA Cup Final It’s a Knockout and/or Mastermind followed by a TV camera on each coach and the winners drinking bottles of milk in the bath. I will then dash outside to recreate the winning goal in my back garden. Thank you.
20
4
136
Fantastic to be with @MoSalah and @samkerr1 last night at @theofficialfwa Footballer of the Year dinner. #FOTY22
3
23
140
When the structure of football didn’t serve their purpose, the Man Utd hierarchy barely paused for breath before attempting to destroy it with the ESL. But when it’s obvious a manager isn’t serving any substantive purpose, they dither. Perhaps money is more important than results.
8
38
140
“We absolutely condemn the actions of our player…well, for 12 hours or so, until we need him.”.
5
17
135
This latest government slogan is like a shit joke. If you have to explain the punchline, it just hasn’t worked.
12
19
130
Desperately sad news that our colleague and friend Ralph Ellis has passed away. A fantastic journalist and an even finer person, husband and father. He was a driving force in @theofficialfwa and he will be terribly missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
19
35
130
Crikey, if Lee Dixon thinks it’s a privilege to see Neymar stand still, he should have watched me in my prime, I barely fucking moved.
5
16
120
Not sure if thIs means much but Leicester fans who got on the District Line at Earls Court applauded by both Chelsea and West Ham supporters.
12
114
115
Been catching up with Succession. Has there ever been a better show where you actually actively dislike all the main characters?.
31
1
114
@JackPittBrooke Hugely relevant and incisive piece. This whole 'We are English, we'll do what we like' mentality has infected a new generation who are promoting a mood completely at odds with what Southgate's England represents.
3
9
108
Ray Wilkins was a wonderful supporter of the @theofficialfwa and was a guest at many of our events. Great sense of humour and fun. Outspoken and critical at times but a huge warmth and love for the game. He leaves a huge gulf in the fabric of football.
0
6
114
Robertson definitely red. Kane definitely red. Tierney definitely poor.
7
5
115
Beautiful to see a kid like Declan Rice loving playing for West Ham and scoring his first goal. The joy is contagious. That’s why you let Arnie go because he obviously doesn’t share that feeling. And never has.
13
7
110
Huge bonus in everything England have done. They lack a creative spark which is why the development of Phil Foden is so important. This should always have been seen as a stepping stone and it was a magnificent effort. No need for a major inquest just a calm overview of progress.
30
20
114
On balance, I think I preferred it when Mike Tyson simply walked into a ring wearing all black and got down to business.
9
4
114
Brace yourselves for a barrage of Govt ‘good news’ stories over the next 72 hours to distract from Cummings. Suspect by Tuesday every pub and McDonald’s in the country will be open.
9
21
116
@MooseAllain My wife was trying to be oh-so-careful describing a row in front of our kids but ended up saying “. and that’s when the shit really hit the doo-dah.”.
2
3
104
Imagine how good these Select Committees will be once fans are let back in.
2
9
106
@johncrossmirror @theofficialfwa I get it. Everybody thinks THEIR favourite should be Footballer of the Year. But the @theofficialfwa citation includes the line ‘by precept and example’ so it DOES matter what they’ve done off the field as well as on it. In the case of @JHenderson it certainly applies.
5
16
109
Dismantle the hideous Momentum maniacs, erase the memory of Corbyn and reclaim the Labour Party under somebody with the stature and respect of @jessphillips Then sadly grit our teeth for a dismal five years of Tory rule.
13
9
103
Just goes to show that a gentlemen’s agreement isn’t worth the imaginary piece of paper it was never written on.
2
3
106
Desperately sad news that a great friend and colleague @Bob_Cass passed away this afternoon. He will be so badly missed by so many people.
19
70
104
@TelegraphSport @SamWallaceTel @Matt_Law_DT So journalist writes absolutely spot-on story about famous footballer. Famous footballer prompts a pile-on with a sneering response. Famous footballer then has to do exactly what original story said. I guess next step is famous footballer apologises. .
3
2
97
@henrywinter Say fans of a club whose financial might dominates German football and who can simply pluck the best players from their rivals at will. Not to mention umpteen titles in a row to make it the dullest of processions every year. Other than that, a perfect model.
6
5
102
By and large, Twitter is the equivalent of six blokes arguing in a pub after a match. Sometimes it's funny and insightful but most of the time it's just seeing who can shout the loudest to make their point as they become increasingly pissed.
1
18
93
@Lord_Sugar @piersmorgan @GMB What an utterly classless man. Points scoring via the death of another person. Beggars belief.
2
1
89
It's Michel Platini's birthday but don't send him a card. Put it aside and post it in another nine years, it's what he'd expect.
4
69
82
Happy publication day (and birthday) to @GeoffShreeves It was great fun and a real pleasure working with him on this project. Fantastic stories and memories.
10
4
56
First Rangers now Nadal, A summer of glory for Luxembourg. Is there nothing this nation of sporting giants cannot achieve?.
5
35
87
Devastated to hear the news about the passing of @vikkiorvice She was a leader, a flag-bearer, a fighter and a damned fine journalist who triumphed despite so many hurdles in front of her. A loyal colleague who never felt a moment's self-pity despite her long illness.
4
19
89
Rows, tear-ups, treason, bans, confrontations. all followed by an utterly dire 0-0. That’s about Newcastle in a nutshell.
6
7
86
Have to say @talkSPORT changes look spot on. The knowledge and expertise @talkSPORTDrive brings to live coverage is exemplary. And @andygoldstein05 is a superb replacement for Adrian. Can’t say I always agree with either of them but they’re both brilliant broadcasters.
27
1
86
So this government allows 70,000 lashed up punters to spend hours crushed together at Wembley without any restrictions. But if you’ve had five days with your family in the Dordogne then you’re locked down for 10 days? F*** my old sea boots.
5
8
83
Feeling somewhat shabby this morning but incredibly proud of @theofficialfwa for hosting our first Footballer of the Year dinner in two years. The stress was definitely worth it to have @MoSalah and @samkerr1 with us last night. #FOTY22
5
10
85
Last year, @JHenderson was @theofficialfwa Footballer of the Year. Who will win our award this year? Announcement at 10am #FOTY21
16
10
81
There's often a lot of sanctimonious twaddle written about the Bundesliga and German football but I suspect fans of the Big 6 would like their clubs to possess just an ounce of German integrity today.
2
12
75
We now live in a country where the irrational scaremongering of Nigel Farage and Katie Hopkins hold sway. Well done Britain.
19
91
81
Having read the papers this morning, thank God for @TelegraphSport which is the only saving grace in a once great newspaper reduced to a propaganda pamphlet for a shambolic PM.
4
4
76
Pogba. Receives the ball, rolls his foot over it. Does a step-over. Plays an arrogant outside of the foot pass to nobody or a Hollywood ball to nobody. Repeat.
13
36
75
Finally, never be afraid to ask for help. My contact details are easy enough to find and I'll always be happy to help or just try and offer advice. I'm sure the same goes for all my fellow FWA National Committee members. DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE. Asking for help is not a weakness.
14
5
74