The Wholls release debut single “X21” on October 23rd, so we spoke to band members Joe Stevenson and Tordy about their respective loves of Man Utd and Chelsea.

First up, here’s Joe…

How did you come to support your team?

My Dad lives just outside of Manchester and took me to my first match at Old Trafford when I was 7 to watch United against Arsenal.

I can still remember the feeling that hit me the first time I walked out and saw the pitch. The noise, the awesome size… but the players were right there in front of you. We ended up in the players lounge after the match and I saw Fergie, Bobby Charlton…a young Giggsy was in there too, I think.

I get that exact same buzz every time I get to a game, where I just feel like an overexcited 7 year old all over again!

What are your expectations for this season? What are your thoughts on the season so far?

It’s been a solid start so far. I was at Old Trafford for United’s first game of the season against Spurs and we were lucky to come away with 3 points. Carrick calmed everything down from the centre but the gel wasn’t there right away.

Now we’ve added Martial we’ve started scoring more freely, taking our chances. He creates extra space for the other players to fill so hopefully Rooney will benefit from not shouldering all the responsibility up front.

The patched-up defence is coping. Smalling has really stepped up to the plate, it’s super important he stays fit. We’ve managed to top the league without hitting 5th gear or even 4th. But it’s been a crazy season so far results-wise.

If I’m honest I didn’t think we would realistically challenge for the league until next season but I suppose we are genuinely in the hunt for it now and you get the feeling Man Utd are only going to become a better ‘team’ as the weeks go by. We’ve changed virtually the whole squad in a couple of years bar a few key heads.

If we can get to the Champions League semis, still be in the mix Premiership-wise come April and aim to win one of the domestic cups that would be considered a very good season as far as the fans go. If we get to that situation we can take it from there…

Do you think Louis van Gaal is doing a good job? If not, who would you like to see replace him?

He doesn’t play Sir Alex’s attacking game, the United way, that I’m used to. But his more possession-based play could be better suited to the Champions League. And we’ve got one of the top goal differences in the Premiership so he must be doing something right!

He has the air of being completely in control which is good. And Giggsy’s happy working alongside him, learning, waiting in the wings!

Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?

We’ve got a really young average age at the minute. Something like 25 years old I think so you’d expect the team will strengthen itself over the season.

We could do with another centre back that could liberate Blind so he could cover on the left of the back four for the season till Shaw recovers.

And another man up top because as good as Rooney and Martial are, they can’t play every single game and Wilson needs some game time on loan to fulfil his potential.

Have you managed to get to Old Trafford much to watch them over the years?

I don’t go anywhere near as much as I would like. If I’m honest I go and watch Luton and QPR more than Man Utd live in recent years because I live down this way and I just love getting to games.

Luton are my second team because my Dad used to train with them when he was younger so I always look for their results.

Would you be able to name the first, best and worst games you’ve ever been to?

Yes. The first game I mentioned earlier.and was also my best game because it started my love affair with football. The worst game was Luton v Rochdale in 2009.

It was Luton’s last game at home before they got relegated to the conference. Sad times. Docked 30 points because of how the club was run but it was the fans that paid the price.

Finally, if you had to select a 5-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for United in your time as a fan, who would you pick?

Peter Schmeichel, Jaap Stam, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs. Hard, fast and lethal! Rooney and Denis Irwin on the bench.

Now here’s Tordy…

How did you come to support the Blues?

Through my dad and friends growing up. I wasn’t the loyalist fan as a child, I went through a few teams – Man Utd, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

What are your expectations for this season? What are your thoughts on the season so far? 

So far, bad. Worst ever, in fact. Come Christmas it’ll iron itself out. It has to, doesn’t it?

Are you still behind José Mourinho?

If he can’t sort it out we’re screwed, he’s the BOSS. Who’s better than José?

Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?

Defence, by the looks of things. We need a new leader, someone like John Terry but with with fresh legs.

Have you managed to get to Stamford Bridge much to watch them over the years?

I used to go loads but it’s too expensive now. Sad for the football fans, I think. Might start supporting Bedford Eagles at £3 a ticket.

Would you be able to name the first, best and worst games you’ve ever been to?

First game I saw ever was Juventus v Man Utd in the Champions League. Juventus is my Italian team. I was 8. Del Piero scored.

Best game was Chelsea V Liverpool in the FA Cup final. Chelsea won, obviously.

Worst game was every game that finished 0-0. At least someone score!

Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for Chelsea in your time as a fan, who would you pick?

Drogba, Čech, Wise, Zola and Desailly.

The Wholls release debut single “X21” on October 23rd. Have a listen here, and follow the band on Twitter.