Fan Friday Interview 24th November 2017 with Darry Telles

Darryl Telles is an author of and a Spurs fan. Hes written a book called Were Queer and We Should Be Here about what it was like being a gay football fan in the 70's and 80's. Below is Darryl's interview about his life as a Spurs fan but also a little about his book as well. You can order a copy of the book here  

Darryl over to you:

AH: Tell us a little about yourself?

DT: My name is Darryl Telles ,living in Hove originally from Finchley in London hence a Spurs fan since 1970. 

AH: When did you start supporting Spurs?

DT: My first live match was against Nottingham Forest in the old first division in November 1978. John Pratt scored the only goal as we lost 3-1

AH: Who is your favourite player from every decade you’ve supported Spurs?

DH:      1970s Martin Chivers; 1980s Glenn Hoddle; 1990s Jurgen Klinsmann; 2000s Ledley King

AH: If you could ask one of those players a question what would it be and why?

DT: Jurgen: Did you ever want to manage the club?

AH:  What is your favourite ever Spurs goal?

DT:  It's got to be Gazzas at the 1991 FA Cup semi final at Wembley

AH: What is your most cherished piece of Spurs memorabilia?

DT:   A signed Proud Lilywhites shirt from Steffen Freund

AH:  What is the worst piece of Spurs merchandise you’ve ever bought or been given?

DT: I Still get ribbed for buying Spurs oven gloves!

AH:  What has been your best moment supporting Spurs?

DT:  Winning the UEFA Cup Final in 1984 at the Lane

AH: What has been your   worst moment supporting Spurs?

DT:  Losing the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea in 2012

AH: If you could go back in time and change one result what would it be?

DT:  The League Cup Final loss to Blackburn in 2002 at Cardiff

AH: I Would now like to ask you some questions about your book, why did you decide to write the book?

DT: I decided to write the book after taking voluntary severance from work and having plenty of time on my hands

AH: How hard was it to do?

DT: Yes it was more difficult than I thought it would be as you have to be totally honest about experiences

AH: What was it like for you during the time you supported spurs before you decided to tell your story?

DT: In the 1970s and 80s most people thought being gay was a perversion. Things begun to change in the 1990s as more people came out. By now everyone knows a family member friend or work colleague that’s gay so things are a lot more easier.

AH: What has the reaction been to your writing the book?

DT: Very positive and supportive.

Darryl thanks for doing this for us and also in your generosity in donating a copy of your book so that we can give it away as a competition on this page. I've read it the book and its often funny but also a story of bravery and courage in times a lot of us wont remember. Society wasn't as always as tolerant as it is now and its people like Darryl who tell their stories that allow us not to forget that. Anthony