Few football presenters enjoy the adulation and popularity that seasoned Englishman John Dykes does in the subcontinent. Currently working with Premier League Productions, John has carved a niche for himself with his smooth style of presenting and his in-depth knowledge of the game. Indiansuperleague.com had the opportunity of catching up with the suave Englishman while he was in Mumbai doing some groundwork on BPL Live (an international fan event hosted by the Premier League) in addition to being a guest expert during the Mumbai City FC v FC Goa game. Casual, relaxed and insightful, John was able to provide a glimpse into his world and share his opinions about the inaugural season of the Hero Indian Super League.“I was really impressed with what I saw during the Mumbai City v Goa game. People in the UK are talking about the Hero ISL. They are paying attention. I was following it on television all this while, but it took coming here in flesh to really appreciate the great job that is being done. Everything, from the way it has been organised to the pitches, the stadiums, the fantastic crowds and the players have been top class,” explained Dykes when asked about the experience at his first ever live ISL game. “I have always felt that for football to grow in India, cricketers and celebrities should engage with the game and the fans. I am happy to see the likes of Sachin Tendulkar for Kerala Blasters FC, Virat Kohli for FC Goa and Sourav Ganguly for Atlético de Kolkata, taking on the responsibility of giving football fans what they have been crying out for. All the celebrities that I saw at the D.Y Patil Stadium also added to the cause. You have a league, by the country, for the fans,” he opined further.The conversation then shifted to his love for the subcontinent and Dykes was quick to gush, “I have always felt that the football audience in the subcontinent is an erudite, educated and passionate one. People here know their football and I have come to experience it every time I have been here. To hear a section of the crowd at the D.Y Patil Stadium chant my name as I made my way through the side-lines, really moved me. To know that such a vast country like India, should choose to engage with me in such a way was truly special.” When asked if he felt that the ISL was something that Indian football was crying out for, he replied in the affirmative. “Of course! At the end of the day, when these Indian boys will go back to the training ground after a game and get coached by some top coaches and share space with players like Anelka, Del Piero or Pirès, they are bound to get better. The crowds are getting behind their teams wholeheartedly and that is something you wish to see in a country where the sport is taking a giant leap.” A modest man, Dykes was quick to attribute his success to honesty, dedication and hard-work when asked about the secret behind his wonderful journey as a football presenter. “Being a presenter is not difficult in terms of passion. But if I am ill-informed or reluctant to put in the requisite amount of hard work, my audience will lose their trust in me. I have had many people come up and tell me that they have grown up watching football with me. It does make me feel a little old!” he joked. “But then I take it as a huge compliment. There is no such thing as a bad day in the office for me. I share space with legends, current or ex-players and managers, I talk about the game I love and I share this feeling with so many people. That is not a bad job to do, is it?”To round the interview off, Dykes revealed his choices for the best-ever player in each position. After some thought, he answered, “I will go for Manuel Neuer in goal because he is a wonderful athlete and is very good with the ball at his feet. In defence, I would pick Paolo Maldini because he was a legendary defender and could probably occupy any position in the back four. For my midfield, I would select Lothar Matthäus because of his versatility and talent. Finally, the impossible one, as my striker, Thierry Henry would get a shout for me as I have seen him do some magical stuff with the ball that others could only dream of.”
