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Where did you get the idea for Postcards From The Sledge?
After last year's Ashes series I drew a cartoon for the Daily Telegraph poking fun at the Australians. A few days later someone rang up to buy the original. He wanted to send it to his cousin in Australia to wind him up about the defeat. I was intrigued by the idea of fans rather than players doing the sledging and that was the start of it really.
Was it difficult to find the quotations?
More difficult than I expected. Sledging has been around for years but most of it is offensive rather than witty. Once I decided to widen the net to include comments made outside the field of play it became much easier. And funnier.
How did you decide which quotes to include in the final book?
In the end I chose the ones I could have the most fun with visually. There's hopefully a nice mix of styles in there as well: the straightforward insults are balanced out with more erudite and articulate comments.
What's your favourite sledge?
It changes but at the moment it's the Mick Jagger quote: 'Glenn McGrath, what a b*stard' I just think it's such a random thing for him to say. It didn't make the book but I'm planning to draw it as a bonus card for the website.
Are you worried the book might offend Australians?
Not at all. All the Australians I know have a great sense of humour and I'll sure they'll take it in the right spirit. They've been knocking the England team for years so I'm sure they won't begrudge us a little retaliation.
Are you a cricket fan?
Absolutely. I couldn't have devoted the time and energy I have done to the book if I didn't love the game.
What's your prediction for the Ashes?
Series drawn. So England retain the Ashes :)
Why are you giving the profits to charity?
I hate it when people try to cash in on big sporting events. This project was always intended to be a bit of fun rather than a money-spinning exercise so I thought it would be more in keeping with the spirit of the enterprise if we gave any profits to charity. And Sport Relief and A Chance to Shine are both worthy causes.
Is it possible to buy some of the original artwork from the book?
Not at the moment, though I am planning to produce a set of screenprints if the book goes well.
Finally, what are you working on next?
Football Heroes 2008 will be the next big collaboration but I'm sure there'll be other smaller projects before then. If people want to sign up for my newsletter I'll make sure they stay updated - without the hard sell, I promise!
Interview by Lucy Evans, 20/10/06
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