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March 31, 2008

Football smug shots

Aspland_gerrard_4We want to see your snaps of footballers. No, not in compromising positions. We want to see the happy, arms-around-the-shoulders camaraderie shown between fan and hero. Have you travelled to an away game and stumbled across a player in the hotel lobby? Maybe you have met an international star in the queue for the pedaloes at a Sandals resort? It doesn't even have to be this glamourous, we'll consider any player at any venue in any era.

We admit that the idea is inspired by our Travel section and its forum for smug holiday pics, but we think we can do better. We want you to outdo each other - a photographic Top Trumps if you will. So if you have shared a viewfinder with Diego Maradona at the top of the Eiffel Tower, hurtled down a log flume with Robbie Savage in Florida or stood next to Sam Allardyce in the dole queue we want to see the evidence. And just for fun we'll feature the best snaps each week.

E-mail your pictures to: sport@timesonline.co.uk

Click "continue reading'"to see your pictures, including when Jake Paine met Diego Maradona.

Click on images to see them in their full, glorious size.

Romana_2

Multi-squillionaire Roman Abramovich gets a bit camera shy outside the Vatican following Chelsea's 4-0 win over Lazio. (l-r  Trevor Davis, RA, Steve Sheward, Ray McDiarmid, Steve Bird and Dale Trendell)

Razor2_2

You wait three weeks for one and two come along at once. Here it's a marriage made in heaven as an amenable Razor meets Colin Shave.

Me_razor

David Bentley (no, not him) indulges in a little bit of pre-season training with Razor Ruddock. "Not quite sure who had the most to drink that night!" says Mr Bentley. Hmmm, tough call, Dave...

Ferguson

Tanni Murza finds Sir Alex deep in thought before a Champions League game with Lyons at Old Trafford.

Everton_match_015

Shelley and Katie Green make a Tim Cahill sandwich when Everton played AFC Bournemouth in a pre-season friendly.

Brady

Digger Kelly, JIm Stephen and Willie Kelly form a Turin crowd to honour the legendary Liam Brady outside the Juventus training ground in 1980.

Veron

Anthony with Juan Sebastian Veron. Who had the emergency landing again?

Ole

Anthony Knowles got over the shock of an emergency landing after a bird flew into his plane's engine on take off by getting a pic taken with his Manchester United hero, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The whole squad walked past as he and other passengers recovered in the waiting area.

Fry_2

Now who's this with Lisa Heminsley? Casanova? Nigel Havers? No, but he certainly is a charmer. Here's what Lisa had to say: "Me and the lovely Barry Fry in Marbella last summer. I said he was my favourite Birmingham manager and he replied "you f****** bluenoses, all f****** mental!" Bazza Rocks!". Yes. Quite.

Conrad_and_diego

Not the least but very definitely the last word on would-be Diego Maradonas. Diego the Third makes Brisbane's Conrad Taylor a happy man in Buenos Aires whilst smoking a mean Havana.

Crouch

Peter Crouch continues to demonstrate why he's a man of the people, not only by deigning to meet Harry East and friends but also by taking his glamorous girlfriend Abbie Clancy to Pizza Hut.

Eltel

A very jovial Les Bailey shares a moment with an even jollier Terry Venables when they realise they both visit the same tailor.

Toure

Peace out. Armand Weeresinghe manages to outdo Arsenal's Kolo Toure in the bling stakes.

Fergie

Waiel Al-Qaimi steps in between Carlos Queiroz and Sir Alex Ferguson, still glowing from United's 7-1 thrashing of Roma at Old Trafford.

Psycho

The brilliantly monikered Hooverney Martinez also fails to raise a smile from Our Stuart at a Newcastle v Arsenal Carling Cup match.

Reocoker2_2

Alamin Mohammed Siddig was on hand to take pictures of nearly all the players at last year's under-21 European Championships. Here he is with a slightly scared-looking Nigel Reo-Coker.

Reocoker_2

And no wonder judging by the expression on his boss Stuart Pearce's face.

Photo

And finally here's Alamin posing with a mini Edgar Davids. Oh no, it's actually Real Madrid's wonderfully named Dutch wing back Royston Drenthe.

James

Another one to warm the cockles of your heart. Here's the note that was sent with this pic: "Here's a fab smugshot of my son Emile with his idol, David James, following a match at Bolton Wanderers in 2007. Jamo then moved to Portsmouth and Emile continues to support Man City. Emile's record in goal for Woodbridge Town U 11's remains as impressive: top of the League this season! David James is a real gent and was happy to have the photo taken: cheers Jamo! Gill Burgoyne (mum)." Thanks for this mum - Jamo looks as delighted as Emile-o.

Carlos_alberto

It takes a lot to impress this cynical hack. But today I am in awe. Paul Joseph not only tracked down five of the greatest players ever to walk the earth, but he has sent us the photos to prove it. Here are a selection of the 1970 Brazil team, voted by many as the greatest side ever. We start with Carlos Alberto at his home in Barra, Rio de Janeiro.

Clodoaldo

Here's Paul with Clodoaldo, the mercurial midfielder, outside his home in Santos, Sao Paulo.

Felix

Now Paul is with the original Felix the Cat, Brazil's World Cup winning goalkeeper, in a hotel foyer in Sao Paulo.

Rivelino

I'm not sure I can take anymore - here Paul is with the God-like Rivelino in his bar in Sao Paulo.

Tostao

And finally, the hoody formally known as Tostao, which by the way means "the little coin". Well done Paul and thank you. You were bang on the money. 

Mourinho_2

There's always one wise guy who tries to sneak in on somebody else's photo. Here are the Buckley brothers, Aidan, Shane and Conor, happily showing off their exquisite t-shirts in New Jersey when some wag spots an opportunity to show just how Special he is.

Lampard

This is getting beyond a joke now. Frank Lampard keeps the lads in a vice-like grip while all they want is an ice cream.

Crespo

Alright, alright. We'll pose for one more but that's your lot. Hernan Crespo won't be looking smug for long, though - he's about to hear that Chelsea have a new role for him ... in Italy.

Rooney_3

Fair play to the boy Wazza. He may be a little shy in front of the TV cameras but he's more than happy to pose with the punters. Here he gets to make Sue Deamer's day.

Maradona

"You da man", says Maradona to Paul Brennan. He's always been good with his hands, has Diego. Conor Coyne is less so. We're also not so sure this is the real Diego. We'll let you have it just this once ...

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho has a lot to learn when it comes to remaining incognito. James Ryan had no problem spotting the great man in his bright orange get-up, shades and Paddington Bear hat.

Huckerby

Joe Levell wonders if his hat hair will be as bad as Darren Huckerby's after the Canaries had beaten Southampton 2-1 at Carrow Road, November 20 2004.

Keane

Every now and again, we hear a story that brings a tear to the eye of even the most battle-hardened, grizzled, old hack. Here's one from Anthony McDonald. Tissues at the ready ... "This is my daughter Lucy meeting her favourite player Robbie Keane after Spurs had beaten Charlton 5-1 last season. Unfortunately, Robbie had sustained an injury in the previous game so was not playing to Lucy's disappointment. On hearing of his injury, Lucy made a get well card for Robbie and wanted to pass it on to him, so we went to the reception office after the game to see if they could forward it on. The very nice receptionist excelled as she escorted us through to allow Lucy to hand deliver the card personally to Robbie. He was a perfect gentlman and seemed genuinely pleased as he spoke to Lucy and I for several minutes signing autographs and posing for photos. Needless to say, Lucy's disappointment in not seeing Robbie play was soon forgotten."

Rooney_2

Wayne Rooney is used to having things fall into his lap but he probably didn't bargain for James Phillip. 

Totti

A nice bit of Totti. And Linda is rather fetching as well as they meet in the unlikely setting of Dusseldorf a couple of years ago.

Larsson

Kate meets Henrik Larsson. Sort of. Apparently, he put in quite a stiff performance after this picture was taken in Dortmund. Many described his display as two-dimensional. No more cardboard cut-outs please. (Kate assures us she is real).

Wanchope

Paulo Wanchope struggles to contain his excitement at meeting Andrew Whiteway in a San Jose hotel lobby after a Costa Rica team training session, prior to a World Cup qualifier against Panama in March 2005.

Ericc

Nick Alfieri is there to greet Eric Cantona after a particularly tough shift on the trawlers.

Dunnand_howard_2

Our colleague Carrie Dunn in no way attempting to peddle her book about Luton Town with Steve Howard who very kindly wrote the foreword.

Tomfinney

The ever charming Tom Finney resists the urge to shove Paul Dring into the back of the net at a charity fundraiser in Preston.

Maradona

Full marks to Jake Paine after blagging his way into Diego Maradona's parents house after representing England in the World Football Idol tournament and getting rewarded with a hug from the man himself.

Marcus_gayle

Former Womble Marcus Gayle pose for Tom Murphy and friends following Aldershot's FA Cup game with Blackpool last season. The gentleman on the right in the delightful yellow tank top is/was also an Aldershot player. Any ideas folks?

Penny_and_david_beckham_in_sydney_n

An incognito David Beckham may have blended in with the locals in Sydney but he wasn't fooling Penny Warden who moved in for a cuddle.

Kaka

Scott Walker (no, not that one) cosies up to Kaka after the Brazilian demonstrated his in-depth knowledge of English swearing (apparently) in Dubai.

Jermaine

Chris Byrne looks less than impressed after bumping into Jermaine Pennant in a local bar (where else?).

Garethbarry

Gone to the dogs. Gareth Barry shares his winning tip with the whole of the Gardeners Arms FC at Brighton dog track.

Rogers

This is fantastic. Don Rogers, Swindon Town's FA Cup hero, signs up for the new series of The Sweeney whilst Steve Barrett, his agent, looks on.

Deano_copy

Daniel Follon is as brave as a tiger for meeting Hull's Dean Windass who at least appears to be on his best behaviour.

Joaquin

Paul Anderson runs into Joaquin in Valencia city centre. The Spanish superstar is either masquerading as Bono or trying to blend in with the local insect population.

Henrik_larsson_meets_st_philips_vet

Henrik Larsson looks rather intimidated after being surrounded by the St. Phillips Vets.

Richardsandgray

Michael Singleton, on the left, and friends bump into Andy Gray and John Richards in Wolverhampton's premier nightspot circa 1982.

Deano

The much travelled Brian Deane, then of Sheffield United, fulfils a lifetime dream by meeting Stefan Johnson.

Ken_alan_shearer

Ken Waight bumps into Alan Shearer after he popped in for a stein or two whilst on World Cup punditry duty in Berlin.

Alexander_godwin_george

Alex Goodwin uses his family connection - his mum was George Best's hairdresser - to get the great man along to a Breast cancer awareness day.

Singapore

Brian McIntyre has trumped just about everyone with these two pics from the Singapore Sevens in the Nineties. Here he's part of a pretty useful line up including Kevin Keegan, Roger Hunt, Bobby Charlton, Mike England, Tony Woodcock, Pat Jennings and Gordon Banks.

Scan

And here, being doused with water in an equally impressive squad. Mind you, playing alongside Alan Kennedy, Osvaldo Ardiles, Russell Osman, Woodcock again, Gordon Strachan, Liam Brady, Alan Ball and Dutch World Cup star Rene Van der Kerkhof doesn't disguise the fact that this is perhaps the worst football kit in history.

Owen2

It's a wonder Michael Owen has time to play football given the amount of photo opportunities he's involved with. Here he is with Keith White.

Giggs

Jonathan Weir tries to prove to Ryan Giggs he's his biggest fan by wearing two United shirts.

Gazza

Helen Forty does a fantastic job at cheering up a rather puce Gazza after seeing Chicago in London's West End.

With_former_arsenal_goalkeeper_bob_

Tom Love keeps former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson in focus.

Cashley

Giles Mansell shows Ashley Cole just what he thinks about his latest tackle.

Sammclaren

Sam Ewens promises not to pull the trigger on then England manager Steve McClaren if he recalls David Beckham.

Kays_hawaii_047

One for the ladies. David Beckham makes Carole and Kay Dawson's trip to Hawaii just that little bit extra special.

Berbatov

Jenny Cherrill looks blown away to bump into Dimitar Berbatov at the Spurs Lodge.

Wrighty_carrie

Paul Carr, his son Jordan and Ian Wright are all keen to prove they read the right paper at the Motor Show at the Birmingham NEC.

Sven

Jayne Fazakerley is pleased to meet Sven-Goran Eriksson at the City of the Manchester Stadium as the former England manager spots another transfer bargain in the distance.

Andrade_3

Mani Pillai meets Jorge Andrade of Deportivo La Coruna, gracious in defeat after losing to Atletico Madrid. Jorge was "was charming, eloquent and polite", says Mani. Not your average footballer then.

Stevie

Natasha Whitfield looks slightly star struck to meet Steven Gerrard at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.

Kuyt

While her dad Tony looks like he's about to do something dreadful in the presence of Dirk Kuyt (aged 11).

Giggs_006

Ryan Giggs looking scared beside a red-eyed Damaris Lakin (her words!) before Manchester United's Champions League game in Villareal.

Lloyd_and_danny

Lloyd Stevens realises that the fresh faced youngster masquerading as Daniel Agger in Copenhagen actually is Daniel Agger.

Platt

England legend David Platt looks a bit sheepish after breaking an old man's camera while Dave Evans' son Oliver (right) wonders who he is.

Hejduk

US defender Frankie Hejduk looks slightly intimidated after being given a hug by George Hasenecz (blue shirt) and Chris Bostrom, while Frankie's son Nesta does his best Fonz impression.

Mourinho

Jose Mourinho looks surprised as Christopher Killin tells him he won't last two months into the 2007/8 season at a Chelsea training camp in Los Angeles.

Gattuso

Liverpool fan Gwyn Bouch and unnamed friend drown their sorrows after their side's Champions League final defeat by blagging their way into AC Milan's victory party and scoffing all their caviar and champagne. No wonder Rino Gattuso looks peeved.

Me_an_crouchy

Sofien Ben-Ali bravely prevents Crouchie from being blown over by the wind outside the Co-op in Anfield.

Crouchie

Peter Crouch uses most of his spare time (due to Rafa's rotation system) to go and meet his adoring public in Liverpool. Here he is with Jonathan Lawton.

Dave

Dave Bassett plots his escape from Alcatraz prison in San Francisco with the aid of Matt Herring and Kev McFarlane. Mrs. Bassett was on hand to catch them in the act.

Fabregas

Jens Ostenfeld sent in this pic of his kids Jacob and Morten attempting to nobble Cesc Fabregas before Spain's Euro 2008 qulifying game with Denmark in Århus.

Linoy

Stu Fallow wins the cheesiest grin battle with Portsmouth's Linvoy Primus.

Denis

Denis Law, who appears to be dressed as Dracula, narrowly avoids being kissed by Richard Stenson at the 2007 FA Cup final. "I must admit I though about it," says Richard. "I'd had a red devil painted on my forehead.........after 90 minutes of sweating I looked like I'd been bottled, hence the concerned look on his face. Although not sure who was more worse for wear.." Er...you by the look of it Richard!

Vialli

Gianluca Vialli makes hanging about at Milan airport a pleasurable experience for David Gloster.

Robandjj

Jermaine Jenas makes Tottenham fan Rob Deamer's day by saying hello after England versus Switzerland.

Merse

Hard to say who is the happiest here. Stephen Rose shares the company of Paul Merson before the 2006 Champions League final in Paris.

Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson resists the urge to thump Dave Brammer after Dave described him as the 'second best Premiership manager in Manchester.'

091_hitlers_bunker

History fan Liam Miles gives a guided tour of the site of Hitler's bunker in Berlin to willing scholars Iain Dowie, Martin O'Neill and Lee Dixon.

Rooney

A slightly subdued looking Wayne Rooney is on his best behaviour meeting Ciaran O'Carroll in Derby last week.

Teddy

Frank Scicluna returns with some pics of the Manchester United team celebrating the 1999 treble in Australia. Here he is with Teddy Sheringham, just after he'd been stuffed for posterity.

Bestnat8x6

And from a slightly older United vintage, Frank rather rashly left his wife Natalie in the charge of a youthful George Best. Still, she seems quite happy with it.

Motsonsemi03a

Richard Schaffer has clearly met every sporting celebrity in the world judging by the number of pictures he sent in. But we settled on this rather nice pic of him with a very Del-Boy-ish looking John Motson.

Me_and_ron

Ron Atkinson is probably the smuggest as he encounters James Clarke at a pre-season game at Shrewsbury.

Geoff_hurst

But here it's harder to tell as Sir Geoff Hurst joins Colin Rowlands on a round-the-world cruise.

Poyet

Open up and say aah. Gus Poyet partakes of some Scouse fish and chips with Thomas Filer after Leeds' 'lucky' win over Tranmere.

Smicer_011_3 

Alan Honan and Vladimir Smicer, the former Liverpool midfielder, after enjoying some Ready Brek in Prague.

1970s_edmond_charles_snr_bobby_moor

A Seventies-tastic pic from Charles Edmond showing his dad, also called Charles, the greenkeeper of Sunningdale Golf Course, giving golfing tips to the late, great (and super stylish) Bobby Moore.

Ian_wright

Paul Dring meets Ian Wright doing his famous Norman Wisdom impression in a hotel in Belfast.

Me_n_stevey_mac_2

Steve McClaren is just happy that Chris Cowl recognised him. But is that a security tag stuck on his jacket? Or an umbrella tucked behind his back?

Micah

Micah Richards doesn't look too thrilled after Anthony Bullock and Andy Wardle insist he gets a round in after signing his new forty thousand a week contract.

Maldini

Faisal Wazir tries to pass himself off as member of the AC Milan team alongside the great Paolo Maldini in Chicago.

Ronaldo_with_jan_helen_aug_24_2003

Jan Dodd and her friend Helen attempt to direct a youthful Cristiano Ronaldo towards the breakfast bar at Mottram Hall Hotel in Cheshire in August 2003

Me_zizu

John Curtin met Zinedine Zidane, who clearly looks to be relishing his retirement, on a beach in Dubai. "Zizu was a complete gentleman and refrained from headbutting me," says John. Phew.

Jt_scott_and_joe

Little bit of politics. John Terry and Joe Cole, who both seem to have an MP's insatiable desire for a photo opportunity, enjoy the company of Scott Collins.

Macca2

Steve McManaman beats Sonny Liew hands down in a grinning contest, perhaps after winning at table football?

Macca3

Grrrrrr!! Sonny stands aside as Steve McMahon does a passable impression of Phil Mitchell.

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho unleashes that famous cheesy grin and settles some pre-match nerves before a game with Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp in the company of Dr Tesh Patel and his children Zara and Kieran.

Atkinson

Is it me or does Dalian Atkinson look terrified of Andrew Twynham? Maybe it's his devilish red eyes.

Micah

Micah Richards realises a lifelong ambition as he gets his photo taken with Bryan Keller. Note the bouncer-looking bloke in the background who obviously thinks Richards is a lot taller in real life than he is on the telly.

Sven

"Well errrr, if you are Brazilian or your name is Wann Rooneee then I am very happy to meet joo". Sorry Sven, the name's Ed Keller and the nearest I've got to Brazil is a packet of nuts.

Goater

Shaun Goater just can't get close enough to Andy Mercer.

Diego

Frank Scicluna doesn't hang with just anyone you know. A surprisingly svelte Diego Maradona looks pretty pleased with his cake on his 33rd birthday in Sydney.

Franz_2

Here, Frank catches Der Kaiser Franz Beckenbauer buying 200 Rothmans at Rome's Fluminico Airport.

Burkenshaw_2

And finally, he tries to find out what Tottenham legend Keith Burkinshaw is drinking.

Doddsl

Billy Dodds looks slightly apprehensive in the company of Shona McCulloch in the Club De Mar Nightclub in Ayr.

Ralphs

Arsenal nut Dan Tennant-Ralphs meets Nigel Winterburn and Martin Keown at the Emirates. This is just one of the billion or so pictures that Dan has sent in (greatly appreciated of course). We chose this one for the amazing glowing Adidas insignia on Winterburn's sweatshirt.  Spooky.

Dixon

Here, Dan has quite clearly mesmerised Lee Dixon with his amazing forehead lamp.

Brucey

And he can do a mean impression of Steve Bruce too. Or is it the other way round?

Owen

Ian Lowe gives Michael Owen the form at Wolverhampton races.

Goran

We're going international now. Printed is the full e-mail we received from Goran Arbutina. Top man, Goran.

"Hello from Republic of Srpska - Bosnia and Herzegovina. My name is Goran Arbutina and I'm sending you picture of me and Luciano Galletti, who played for Atletico Madrid and, as you know, he's now playing for Olympiacos Athens. Picture is taken at Vicente Calderon on the very first day he signed for Atletico, just few minutes after his official promotion. I'm actually big fan of West Ham, but I took a chance in Spain to take picture with player of national team of Argentina. Best regards from Banjaluka city, RS, BiH"

Barnes

Daniel, Adrian and Anthi Gough make John Barnes's day at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong, May 2007.

Eric_2

Eric Cantona looks slightly miffed after being woken up by Keith Redmayne.

Arsenal

Arsenal players Alexandre Song, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue and Kolo Toure look delighted to meet the Queen, Prince Phillip and Carina Wrapson. The Queen is the one not wearing a Chelsea shirt.

Grant_and_joe

Grant Mordue was lucky enough to catch a rather stunned looking Joe Cole outside Newcastle Airport before the Chelsea team coach was ushered away.

Cherneski_photos_062

Erin Cherneski puts Michael Owen in charge of his young son at an England training session in 2002. Michael is on the left.

Cherneski_photos_061_2 

Frank Lampard also wanted a go. Luckily David James wasn't available.

Bw2

Edward Burnett and Alex Hunter, two stripey jacketed drunkards (their words!), meet a very friendly Steve McManaman at Bolton versus Liverpool

Bw1

While El-Hadj Diouf struggles manfully to prop them both up.

Cech

Heathrow airport is obviously the place to hang if you want to do a bit of star spotting. If you look down the list you'll see a bemused looking Niall Quinn. Now here's Petr Cech wishing he hadn't been snapped outside his favourite restaurant with Joe Harris.

Rooney

Wayne Rooney gets some tips from Joe de la Haye.

Lampard

...and here's Joe's girlfriend Katie Atkinson getting a touch TOO friendly with Frank Lampard in Washington. We think looking this excited when snuggled up to somebody else's fella is a dumpable offence. Even if he is a good-looking, multi-millionaire footballer.

Moore

Marty O'Connor bumped into the Australia side after they embarrassed England 3-1 at Upton Park back in 2003. Not surprisingly, the Aussies were more than happy to pose for a photo or two. Here's Craig Moore. And it's nice to see John Aloisi, in the background, has not lost the exceptional sense of direction he used to display on the pitch.

Neill

Next up, Lucas Neill got a bit of the shoulder treatment.

Viduka

Mark Viduka was also happy to oblige, but then...

Kalac

... I know goalkeepers are supposed to be scary but Zelco Kalac, what was in your drink? (We have reliably been informed by Nick from Perth - and he must know - that this is not Kalac but indeed Tony Vidmar, formerly of Rangers, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City, among others. Good spot, Nick. A prize will not be winging its way to you soon).

Perryman

According to Andy Kenny, this shot of him with Steve Perryman was taken before the Carling Cup final. Maybe the Spurs legend knew he was going to be celebrating.

Defoe_2

It's one thing for Steve to seek out a bargain on a market stall in Vilamoura, but come on Jermain, surely Harrods is more your league?

Quinn

When Brian Garvey met Niall Quinn at the airport he said: "Heathrow has never been so interesting." I wonder if the Sunderland chairman felt the same way?

John_higgins_with_pele_in_florida_2

John Higgins is equally busy in the celeb spotting stakes. Here he is with Pele in Florida, probably the most impressive entry so far.

John_higgins_with_gazza_chris_woo_3

He also found time to prop up Gazza and Chris Woods.

John_higgins_with_graeme_souness__2

And finally, a thinly veiled attempt to curry favour with Graeme Souness by adopting the same hairstyle.

Dessie_2

Ben McBride, who obviously is a past master at this game, says hello to a clearly very excited Des Walker.

Letiss_2

Stopping only to hang with another man who knows how to enjoy himself, Matt le Tissier.

Shearer_2

And if that wasn't thrilling enough, here he is with..erm..Alan Shearer. Still, good work Ben!

England_cricket

Ok, we know they aren't footballers. So as a one-off special (and because Hannah Theobald was so polite in her e-mail) we are publishing her and her friend, Jennie Pott, after a few rum and cokes with some of the England lads taken in St Lucia during the cricket World Cup last year. However, this will not be repeated. This is a football blog. No amount of begging, flirting, flattery or camp-looking cricketers dressed as a banana will sway the Editor. Although he is rather partial to a drop of the black stuff...

Poyet

You would have thought the doctors would have separated Reg Ozcan and Gus Poyet at birth.

Kamara

Unbelievable. Chris Kamara shows a clean set of pearly whites as he says hello to Josh Hoare in Dubai.

Coleskybar

Joe Cole is happy to share his tan with Michael Lewis at the very trendy Sky Bar on Sunset Boulevard in LA.

Lampard_2

Obviously a night for star-spotting as Lewis muscles in on the action with Frank Lampard at the Sky Bar.

Cole

Hang on a minute - haven't we met before? Yep, Cole gets the Lewis treatment again, this time at Chelsea's training camp at UCLA in Los Angeles. Lewis very helpfully pointed out in his e-mail that Cole is on the right.

Fabregas_3

This is an absolute peach. David, who sent this in, even provided his own caption. You can make your own minds up if you would want him to take your daughter out...

"Saw the Times Online bit about photos of people with footballers. Here is one of me with Cesc Fabregas at a Christina Aguilera concert in 2006 at Wembley Arena! I am not even an Arsenal fan but think he is a quality player. David "The Funkmaster" Chadwick"

021a_wenger_the_boys_reduced

Fans take time out from enjoying some fine German beer in Stuttgart to hang with Arsene Wenger. Left to right: Gary Fraser, Gordon Cormack, AW and Gordon Thomson.

Robbie_fowler

It's that camera shy Robbie Fowler again, passing time at Glasgow airport with Charlie Lambert.

Mort

Chris Mort, the Newcastle United chairman, shakes on another new deal - this time with Nev Takiar. I wonder if Kevin Keegan knew about this one?

Team_jimmy_flynn_and_distin

The prolific Mark Blackburn sends in a picture of Team Jimmy Flynn with Sylvain Distin.

Jimmy_hill

Fair play to Jimmy Hill for taking it on the chin as John Murphy gets up close.

Joey_barton

Joey Barton has the honour of meeting Jack Castledine.

Gascoigne

Hats off to Daniel Keenan for getting Gazza to pose with him.

Andriy_shevchenko_4

Andriy Shevchenko is not quite as pleased with himself as Maciek Laska appears to be.

Petr_cech

Cech's mate - Petr finds time to say hello to Maciek.

Jerzy_dudek

It's our man Maciek again, this time he's sporting a lovely Jerzy.

Daniel_agger

Daniel Agger wonders if Jonathan Griffiths is getting a bit TOO close.

Finnan_kuyt

Steve Finnan and Dirk Kuyt are only too pleased to meet Jonathan.

Pepe_reina

"This one's for keeps," thinks Jonathan. "I wish I had two arms," thinks Pepe Reina.

Robbie_fowler

Cor, striker light. As the clouds gather, Jonathan says hello to Robbie Fowler.

Michael_owen

Terry Freeman can spot talent when he sees it. Michael Owen tries not to get weighed down by success.

Ron_harris

Ron "Chopper" Harris anticipates a tackle from behind.

Eric_cantona

A slightly dishevelled Eric Cantona meets Joseph Louis in Hong Kong.

Graham_taylor

Graham Taylor is entertained by Lui Wright, right, and Lauren Snow.

Joe_murphy

And if that wasn't excting enough, here's Lui with Joe Murphy, the Scunthorpe United goalkeeper.

Roman_abramovich

Paul Zurbrugg sent in this pic of Roman Abramovich.

John_terry

Paul also submitted this image of John Terry. But which one are you Paul? (Paul kindly got back to us with this wonderful answer: "It's actually a good friend, Bolton Steve. He has just thanked John Terry for his own goal for Bolton in their win over Chelsea the previous year which is why John is laughing  pretty hard and Bolton's looking a bit smug." Top man, Bolton Steve.)

Paul_gascoigne_2

Mark Blackburn gets to grips with Gazza.

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Comments

I thought that was a picture of Wazza on a date.

Posted by: eckythump | April 05, 2008 at 09:12 AM

THAT´S NOT JOAQUIN I´M AFRAID!!! YOU´VE BEEH HAD!!!

Posted by: javier | March 30, 2008 at 05:53 PM

While travelling around South America, we bumped into Diego Maradona on the streets of Buenos Aires...he was more than happy to pose for a photo for a small fee!

Posted by: With Diego Maradona | March 29, 2008 at 06:07 PM

I have the best pic of me with any sports star... Muhammed Ali!!! Shame this thing is just footballers!

Posted by: SK | March 26, 2008 at 12:12 PM

Why has Graeme Souness got no shorts on?

Posted by: Tom Bigglestone | March 25, 2008 at 02:47 PM

funny how the final honours fall to Paul Gascoine, what a star, what a talent.

Posted by: NIGEL | March 25, 2008 at 07:52 AM

fabulous 4...what a gorgeous boy!

Posted by: sam | March 19, 2008 at 10:30 PM

Cesc Fabregas posing in spanish colours with Jacob and Morten in Århus, Jutland, before beating Denmark in the deciding Euro 2008 qualifying game

Posted by: Jens | March 19, 2008 at 06:37 PM

Just wanted to say that the snaps are very beautiful and beyond the compare!

Nice work!

Posted by: maurice | March 15, 2008 at 10:46 PM

what happened to souness' trousers?

Posted by: dylan | March 15, 2008 at 09:11 AM

I think you will find the photo which you've captioned "... I know goalkeepers are supposed to be scary but Zelco Kalac, what was in your drink?" is actually of Tony Vidmar, formerly of Rangers, Boro and Cardiff City, amongst others.

Posted by: Nick from Perth | March 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Hey - that's not Zelco Kalac in there, but recently-retired Tony Vidmar (ex-Rangers/Boro). I know we Aussies all look the same, but...

Posted by: Leon Kelly | March 12, 2008 at 01:56 AM

Just like to point out a mistake...the weird looking bloke in the Australian photos is not Zeljko Kalac from AC Milan, but actually Tony Vidmar who used to play for Rangers, Cardiff City and NAC Breda in Holland amongst others, until he recently retired at the end of the last A-League season.

Posted by: Jezza | March 12, 2008 at 01:08 AM

Wenger is in better shape than most of the players in the pictures! I always hated being made to run by some fat idiot manager who couldn't run 10 yards unless there was a burger waiting for him.

Posted by: Gregorio | March 11, 2008 at 01:50 AM

great idea - you should get these people to send in their wedding photos - see which one they look happier in!

Posted by: Mark | March 10, 2008 at 01:54 PM

It's worth to add that on Jerzy Dudek's photo there is another footballer - the man on the right is Grzegorz Lato, former Polish international, the topscorer of 1974 World Cup in West Germany.

Posted by: Lukaseiro | March 10, 2008 at 01:33 PM

These are class! Would love to meet Stevie G. Legend!!!

Posted by: Chris | March 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM

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