With football close to resuming, we find out from Phil Thompson about his life in lockdown and what he has been getting up to.
What has been your go-to during lockdown?
Our go-to has been the dogs, the two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels, walking them every day. It has been a challenge particularly in the warm weather where they can both get overheated.
That has been our standard daily exercise, but it is amazing going on your walks, seeing likeminded people who are also out and it is quite astonishing how you have got to know people a lot better. I think there is a lot more communal spirit. It has changed a lot of people’s outlook on life.
You can have a socially-distanced chat, but generally I think people have been more polite and appreciative of keeping your distance when you are exercising.
There has been a tremendous togetherness, and life in other ways will be a lot different and a lot better for what we have gone through.
Who has been the best/worst during lockdown, out of pundits or ex professionals?
We all try to keep in touch, especially with our group chat. We had a nice long conversation with Paul Merson about what was being said on television. We all have our views on what should happen, but it is nice to keep together and make sure everyone is getting through it.
There have been no dramas which has been nice. On Saturday we did a Skype or Zoom similar to the Football Show. There is not enough sporting activity to be debating so the reminiscing parts have been really good too.
Who you have been calling the most?
I have made sure I have been keeping contact with sisters and brothers as much as possible, and my sister in Australia too. It is difficult with them being so far away, but I have been chatting with Sammy Lee, David Johnson and John Barnes too.
The lads all just keep in touch and nobody lives in each other’s pockets. You have to make sure that everyone is alright, which is important.
What will be the first thing you do once lockdown is relaxed?
I am going to get my haircut! I was lucky that I went to get it cut prior to the lockdown. I got it done three or four days before it came, and hopefully that will be the first thing I do.
The hairdressers and barbers in Australia were one of the first things they slackened. I have not got a lot of hair, but I do like to keep what I have got nice and styled. The sides are getting thick and I am having to snip here and there to get me by!
What is the most curious thing you have done?
I helped colour my wife’s hair. She was desperate and she needed it colouring, and a friend who did not live far away left some mix out for us. We walked and picked it up. From the middle of her head backwards, my wife was not able to do it, so I had to take over!
It looked absolutely fine, as that could have ended up being a domestic! I will be on the duties again no doubt. It is something I will remember from lockdown.
My wife has done a diary from day one, but a lot as you can imagine is like Groundhog Day. That will be for the grandkids when they are older as we are living in a historic moment in our lives, so it was a good idea.
In Lockdown With...Charlie Nicholas
Find out from Arsenal legend Charlie Nicholas about his life in lockdown and what he has been getting up to by clicking the image below...
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