Hunty's Column: An Interview With Dylan Kerr (Part Two)

You've read Part One of my interview with Reading icon Dylan Kerr and now we tackle, among others, music, Steve Coppell, and how he ended up in Berkshire.

So how did the move to Reading happen?

"Gordon Strachan recommended me to Mark McGhee [they are ex teammates]. I loved my time at Reading, there was a real togetherness about the team that was similar to at Leeds and later Kilmarnock and that's what brought success. McGhee just got things done the right way and with Colin Lee [his assistant manager] the disciplinarian, you didn't step out of line."

Missing out on place for play off final was a low point but he took it on the chin, and again injuries didn't help his career but he moved on to Kilmarnock and won the Scottish Cup at the height of his career on the back of a very tasty bonus scheme implemented by the chairman.

Being a die hard Manchester United fan who grew up watching Steve Coppell, is he looking forward to what Jaap Stam can bring to Reading?

"He's a hero and he'll set the benchmark, Reading is a big club to develop at with right the players, a happy dressing room where everyone is equal, and he will be a big success."

His football inspiration, whom he still speaks to, is Howard Wilkinson.

"He got instant respect, he demanded and got the best out of you. He installed a work ethic."

Billy Bremner was his manager at Doncaster and even though he was in his 50s he would be a stand out and role model on the 5 a side pitch.

His other inspiration his mum.

"She instilled that nobody does you a favour. If you get knocked back, you prove yourself, and that you achieve good things through sheer hard work."

Who are the best players you've come across?

"They're all brilliant for every reason but Paolo Di Canio, Michael Laudraup, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ally Mccoist were a handful to play against."

Away from football Dylan is a music nut particularly the 80's new romantic era younger readers may have to you tube or Google that!

"Partying with new romantic bands when at Sheffield Wednesday, I'm still good mates with Heaven 17's Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory met one of my heroes [Sex Pistols guitarist] Glen Matlock."

"I tried to get a backstage invite to the original Sex Pistols in Arizona but when I went, I saw two topless young blondes being carried in on these guys shoulders... I realised I had no chance!

Going through some of his thousands of CD'S I even get a great rendition of one my heroes Adam Ant's song Wonderful over the phone. He's hung out with Boy George, Andy Bell, and plucked the courage up to ask Belinda Carlisle back to his room!

What hero do you still want to meet?

"Depeche Mode."

Two tunes you love to belt out at Karaoke?

"If I can dream by Elvis and No Matter What by Boyzone."

Having travelled around the world playing and coaching football has meant he hasn't got married or have children, which Dylan answered frankly.

"No regrets. You never look back."

"No one In football these days can match me. I always have a smile on my face and I give my best and that's all you can do!"

That's why he is loved by fans at all the clubs he has played at a real pleasure to speak to and a guy who makes the world a happier place.

Thank you to Dylan Kerr! Happy new year & Merry Christmas to you all.