Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham opens up about his pop culture preferences, covering music, films, video games and more…
What was the first album you bought?
“I remember buying an album by So Solid Crew. I can’t remember the name of the album, but that was the first one I can remember actually buying.
“Other than that, I remember buying one by Chris Brown and The Massacre by 50 Cent.”
What’s one song you couldn’t live without?
“I don’t have a particular favourite song, to be honest.
“I wouldn’t classify it as my favourite type of music, but I do like to listen to country music every now and again, so I would say if I could never listen to country music again, I’d be disappointed.”

What was the best live music performance you’ve ever seen?
“I was young when I went to see Beyoncé, and I’d never been to a concert before, so in my mind that was unbelievable.
“I’ve also been to see Justin Bieber. He was very good. But the best one was probably Drake, because at the time he just had so many good songs.
“I was with friends, and it was like a party, so I’d have to say that one.”
Have you ever had to perform an initiation song?
“I’ve done a few.
“The one that I performed here at West Ham was Nickelback, because you can kind of shout the lyrics as well and hide your voice a little bit.
“To be fair, I got a standing ovation, so it couldn’t have been too bad!”
What’s the best film or TV series you’ve ever watched?
“I’ve watched too many!
“It’s got to be something with Denzel Washington in it.
“I liked Flight (2012 film). I wouldn’t call it the best film, but I really enjoyed it.
“In terms of TV series, again, it’s hard to say.
“If I had to pick one, I’d say Snowfall with Damson Idris.”

Which actor would best portray you in a film about your life and career?
“I’m going to say Denzel Washington again, just because he’s my favourite actor.
“He’s just a cool guy, and I’d say he has similar characteristics to me.”
Which reality TV show could you be most tempted to go on?
“I’ll tell you what it wouldn’t be - I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! That’s my worst nightmare!
“I’ll say Big Brother.”
Do you have a TV guilty pleasure?
“When I was young, I used to watch EastEnders and loved it.
“There’s a show called One Tree Hill, so I’ll go with that. It’s about a group of friends who are navigating their lives, going through high school, college and eventually into adulthood.
“It’s a basketball programme, and they’re a basketball team, and it’s about the journey from making it from high school basketball to college basketball, then into the NBA (National Basketball Association).
“There are a lot of life lessons in there as well.”

Do you have a favourite book or author?
“I wouldn’t say I have a favourite book or author. I tend to read stuff that you can actually get some sort of practical use out of.
“There’s a book called The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, which is basically about small steps and small differences that, over time, can add up to and yield big results.
“I’d recommend that book to anyone.”
What three phone apps couldn’t you live without?
“I would say Uber, just because when you need a car or lift, you can get one at your location within minutes.
“I’d also say WhatsApp and the weather app. It’s always on my home screen, and I’m always asking myself, ‘Can I play golf today?’, and if so, ‘When’s my tee time?’.”
What was the first games console and video game you owned?
“The first one I can actually remember owning is a Nintendo 64, and it had Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
“Growing up, I used to love a game on the PlayStation called International Track & Field, but my favourite game would have to be Football Manager on the laptop, to be honest.
“I’d say the gaffer side of me is not too bad, but my eye for talent is top class.”
