Whitecliff release new single “Five Minutes” on April 8th, to be swiftly followed by a UK headline tour, so we caught up with drummer Tom Taylor for a chat about his beloved Man Utd.
How did you come to support the Red Devils?
My Dad was raised in Altrincham when he was a boy so he was a Man United fan and passed it onto me. I’ve supported them for as long as I can remember but being born and raised for the majority of my life in Stevenage you can’t keep me away from Broadhall Way either.
What are your thoughts on the season so far? And what are your expectations for the rest of the season?
This has been a pretty dull season for us. I’ve been to too many 0-0 matches this season and I’m not a fan of keeping it at the back just to keep possession. I’m still not convinced that we have started to turn the corner yet. As soon as we get an exciting win, in the next match we are back to a not-so-surprising loss, or at best a lucky win.
Do you back Louis van Gaal? If not, who would you like to see replace him?
LVG is not the man for me. I want to see someone who will stand on the touchline and inspire his team. I think it may be a little too soon for Giggs. He needs to manage somewhere else first, but I would prefer to see him in the technical area over Mourinho. We need someone who will get us playing as United again!
Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?
The defence! Smalling looks good this season but we really are missing that Rio/Vidić partnership!
Have you managed to get to Old Trafford much to watch them over the years? Would you be able to name your first, best and worst games attended?
Yeah I go quite a bit. Having lived up in Liverpool for four years now it’s made getting to the games so much easier!
The first match I went to was against Sunderland. I can’t remember who scored but I do remember we won 2-1. The worst game I’ve seen was easily in the Champions League against PSV. It was the dullest 0-0 draw I’ve ever seen.
The best game is a tough one. The demolition against Arsenal was a great game and the atmosphere when Rooney scored the overhead against City was electric.
For me though I got to take my Grandpa to Old Trafford for his first time when we won the league. He was a lifelong fan but was never able to make the trip up from Stevenage. It was Ferguson’s last game in charge and it couldn’t have been a better day out, so that’s one of my best footballing memories.
Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for Man Utd in your time as a fan, who would you pick?
Rio (the big guy in defence and my sweeper keeper – sorry Rio but it’s playground rules!), Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney.
Hotly-tipped newcomers Whitecliff will release the single “Five Minutes” on April 8th, followed by a 13-date headline UK tour for April and May. For more information, please visit the official Whitecliff website.