Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock points weird recommendation to West Ham and Millwall stars earlier than derby
Former Millwall and West Ham man Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock is one of few players tough enough to have crossed the Dockers Derby divide. And the no-nonsense defender has issued some unique advice ahead of the two teams’ clash this weekend.
West Ham and Millwall have not faced each other in over a decade, and so fans might be concerned that the guys taking to the pitch may lack some of the aggression and bite that the fixture has become known for.
Speaking to the Star, Ruddock revealed the routine that he credits with inspiring his ‘razor-sharp’ reputation, in the hopes that it could inspire modern footballers to add a bit more hardness to their game.
Neil Ruddock had a brief stint at Millwall
Ruddock says that, to make sure he was ready for war once the game started, he would sit in absolute silence with a towel over his face and head and begin to imagine clattering his opponents.
He explained: “I’d put a towel over my head and not say f*** all, but in my head I’d go through every situation. I’d think about the first tackle I’d make, the first header I’d win. By the time you’re out on the pitch, you’re ready for every situation.”
Ruddock’s second piece of derby day advice is to never show your enemy that you’re hurting.
Ruddock has lots of advice for modern players ahead of this year’s Dockers Derby (Image: Sunday Mirror)
He said: “ Never let anyone know you’re hurt. Never be intimidated and never give up. I don’t care how tired you are – carry on. You don’t know how far you can take your body. It’s got a never-give-up attitude.
If someone hurt me, I wouldn’t go down. I’d walk away, two minutes later then you rub away the pain and think to yourself “what a b*******”.
Ruddock admits his “Braveheart” attitude makes him something of a footballing fossil, but reckons that the modern game could do with more players like him to stop it becoming “boring.”
Ruddock was known for his ‘hard man’ attitude back in the day (Image: Daily Mirror)
He said: “I just think the way football is now is a bit boring for me. It’s Stop, start, stop, start.”
“I find it deeply, deeply irritating. I can’t remember the last time I watched 90 minutes of football on telly without turning over, being bored.”
Ruddock also says he’s gets frustrated by fans’ negative attitudes and constant “moaning”, singling out one fanbase in particular for their constant complaining.
He said: “Arsenal fans wind me up. Last season, it was, “Oh, we’re gonna lose this. We’re gonna bottle it.” Shut up. They slag their team off more than any other fans. They put their team down so much.”
