5 of football’s most rock ‘n’ roll figures

Hot on the heels of the news that West Ham boss and known headbanger Slaven Bilic is a Kasabian fan, we’ve compiled a little list of football’s most rock ‘n’ figures.

It’s eclectic and some of the reasoning is shaky but we hope it brings you some enjoyment as we edge ever closer to the weekend.

In case you missed it, the inspiration for this piece comes from Bilic’s reaction to Claudio Ranieri’s successful attempts to gee up his Leicester side.

Watch the video below for more on that.

In the meantime, here’s our ‘motley crü’ (sorry).

Slaven Bilic

Who would have thunk it? The shaggy hair and deathly stare all contribute to a rugged image that oozes rock ‘n’ roll (or should that be prog-metal?).

Oh yeah, and the Hammers idol is also in a band. They’re called Rawbau and as the Evening Standard reported back in June our Slaven knows how to wield a guitar.

FYI, one of their most famous records was Croatia’s Euro 2008 anthem.

Gareth Ainsworth

Another wannabe rock star, Wycombe manager Ainsworth is famed for his penchant for combining music with football. He’s even done a few gigs for the fans at the Buckinghamshire club’s home ground, Adams Park.

Here’s the 42-year-old in action at a fundraising event with Subrosa5.

Terry Butcher

This is where this article goes a little off-piste.

Newport manager and former England hardman Butcher is close friends with Iron Maiden founding member Steve Harris and is a huge fan of the band. He’s even turned out for their footy team.

And they’re not his only rock claims.

During a press conference to announce his appointment as Scotland’s assistant manager in 2008 the sound of Guns N Roses’ ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ could be heard blaring from Butcher’s mobile phone.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Yep, we’ve done it now.

There’s not really much to say about Fergie’s musical connections other than it appears the former Manchester United supremo loves a bit of The Proclaimers.

All together now…”I would walk…”

Alexi Lalas

Infamous former USA international defender and ginger beard wearer Lalas also lays claim to a distinguished rock past.

Well, maybe not quite.

His band, The Gypsies, did have the honour of opening for Hootie and the Blowfish on their European Tour in 1998.

And he’s even released three solo albums.

But according to reports, much like his football career, his musical efforts were pretty mediocre.

Harsh?

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