The Filter^: Smackhead Tells His Story

'If there's one thing that does my head in, it's all the stuff banging on about Toxteth being this shit-hole, the inference being that it was miraculous I managed to claw my way out of there.'

So says Robbie Fowler in an interview with The Observer. It's nice to see a backlash to the media's nonsensical obsession with "rags to riches" stories, and Fowler giving a more realistic portrait of being a genuine hero.

You don't want to be seen as a biff: some busy bollocks like Gary Neville, or someone who has sold their soul like Beckham.

Fowler talks about his infamous spat with Le Saux, and does his best to portray his homely side. The interview doesn't quite tally with the Robbie Fowler I once encountered at Newz Bar, with birds on either arm and a bottle of Champagne on ice (and that was just me!)... nor the litany of misdemeanors that are brushed over... but we'll let him off.

The interview makes special mention of Fowler's relationship with Everton fans, and his anger at all those "smackhead" jibes. They all blew out into full view during his celebration against us in 1999 - he simulated snorting cocaine by running his nose along the white chalk touchline.

In the Observer article he claims that it was "not the smartest move"

I realise I shouldn't have been so obvious in taunting the Everton fans, but I couldn't believe how much stick I got over the next few weeks.

But last season, now playing for Manchester City, he scored at Goodison and ran along the touchline smacking his head ("smackhead", get it?) keeping the fued running. Now I admire Robbie Fowler. As a footballer, he's one (or was one) of the most potent goalscorers this nation has ever produced. But his influence extends beyond his natural ability, manifesting in a personality that is all too rare. It's impossible for rival fans to love him, and that's why he's a great: he gives fans what they want.

The article is well worth a read for his candid thoughts on Houllier, and perhaps he'll sell enough copies of his auto bio to keep up his habit.