Football Muse Meets: Sean Gilder – Slow Horses and Shameless actor talks Fulham memories and Brian Clough admiration
Sean Gilder has enjoyed a career spanning some of Britain's most recognisable television dramas and comedies. Best known for roles in Shameless and Slow Horses, the actor is also a fanatical Fulham supporter, with a passion for football that has remained a constant throughout his career.
In this edition of Football Muse Meets, Sean reflects on his memories of following the Cottagers, the players who have left a lasting impression and the Fulham signing he would love to see return to Craven Cottage.
He also discusses his admiration for legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough, sharing his thoughts on the characters and personalities that make football so special.
What are your earliest football memories? Any childhood heroes?
The first game I was ever taken to was in 1973 when I was nine years old. It was Derby County v Liverpool at the Baseball Ground. I can't remember that score but I remember being hooked on the game from that day on.
Brian Clough was their manager and they'd won the league for the first time under him the year before. I found Clough mesmeric to watch and listen to, both for his brash and sometimes rude way and for his wisdom, common sense and brilliant tactical mind.
He turned average to good players, often players who other clubs had let go, into some of the best teams in the league over the 1970's. I still believe, as many do, that he was "the best manager England never had"! Love him or loathe him, he was an extraordinary man and football brain. He was my first football hero.
I stuck with Clough and followed his little jaunts to Brighton then Leeds then Forest and stayed a Forest fan for many years after he left the club. I went to The City Ground a few times. Like Carlisle, I still follow them with a fondness.
Growing up supporting that Nottingham Forrest team set the bar pretty high. I love seeing how determination and a willingness to work so hard as a team together, can build an indomitable spirit and get you a long way. All the best teams have it. I never mind watching a team I support lose, as long as they have tried their best.
As a kid I got the magazine "Shoot" every week, had that magnetic football league table that had all the teams on and I changed their positions after every game. My dad was a big football fan and did "The Pools" every week so I joined in with him. So, from a young age I just loved the game.
Over the years I have been to a great deal of stadiums and seen a lot of different teams and matches. There is nothing like a football stadium full of fans. A great game elevates it to a wonderful experience every time. I saw Boca Juniors in La Bombonera in 2007.... They lost 1-3 at home.... the defiance in the singing and moving with the rhythm, of the crowd.... Unforgettable.
You later adopted Fulham as your team. How did that come about?
I first went Craven Cottage in February 1985 with a bunch of friends, as a birthday trip to see Carlisle United, when they were both in the 2nd Division. I was born just outside Carlisle so I've always had a soft spot for them and followed their results. I still occasionally pop to see a game if they are playing near London. Carlisle lost 3-2 I think. It was cold and rainy!
I didn't return to The Cottage till 2014, when I took my then five-year-old son Tommy, to his first game, which was Fulham v Norwich in the Premier League. We have a good friend who had season tickets on the 2nd row of the old Riverside stand and we went with him.
About 20 minutes into the game the match ball came flying our way and out to touch. Tommy was given it by another fan sitting along the row. Brede Hangeland came over to the side of the pitch and beckoned Tommy to give him the ball. He chucked it back to him, Hangeland winked and said "Cheers kid" or something like that, took the throw in and ran off.
My son became as hooked as I was all those years ago. We HAD to become Fulham fans! We shared a couple of season tickets with friends for a few years but have had our own season tickets since 2018. We try not to miss any games and go to a few away games every season too.
What's your most vivid Fulham memory?
Easy.... Being in the away end at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day 2024.... any Fulham fan knows what happened. Pure, pure joy!!!! Closely followed by the Play-Off Final in May 2018 v Villa. Tom Cairney winner. Magic!
It’s been a difficult start for Fulham. What have you made of Alvaro Arbeloa so far, and what about his signings? How much of a blow was losing Marco Silva?
I'll start with Marco first. He did amazing things for Fulham but I do think it was time for change, for both parties. We were becoming staid and predictable, particularly towards the end of seasons when we could have pushed on and got into Europe, but we seemed to lack fight and determination. That has to come from a manager. But sometimes you've got to be careful for what you wish for.... Now we have Arebelao.
A difficult start? Yeah, you could say that. I simply can't make up my mind. Against Chelsea and Man United we battled and were unlucky, though we could also have been buried by half-time in both matches. Sunderland, awful! We went to Ipswich and saw us clutch defeat from the jaws of victory... bemusing substitutions, a bit like Tuchel in the World Cup semi-final - we go 1-0 up then hand the opposition 75% of the pitch and give them the ball back all the time... awful tactics.
Hull and Coventry were gritty wins but against Palace we were once again undetermined and flat. Against Liverpool and Villa however, we have had that spirit that I love to see from any team. So.... early days. Will he last? As for his signings - Affengrubber and Charles are already showing their worth. I want Arebeloa and his young Spanish players to come good so much but.... I simply don't know!
If Arbeloa were to leave, who would you want as manager and why?
Were AA to leave, who would I want? Do you think Pep might like ano pressure job, a couple of years down in London, enjoying all the great restaurants and life "Down by the river"?! Would be nice wouldn't it?! As for reality.... I simply don't know. Someone with plenty of Premier League experience at least.
If you could sign one player for Fulham, who and why?
Fantasy - How about Jude?! Reality - I think we need someone who could lead by example and inspire, but as we are Fulham it would probably have to be someone in the autumn of their careers who just wants to keep playing and playing, but can't hold down a place in a "bigger" team.
Boy, how I wish we could have Joao Palhinha back. He gave one of the best first season performances I've ever seen from a player when we got him in 2022. I saw him at Benfica in August, where Marco is managing now. He bossed the entire game.
If you could watch any football match in history live, which would you choose?
Easy - World Cup Final 1966.
You’ve had several football-related roles, in Mike Bassett and Dear England. If you could portray anyone in football for a project, who would it be?
Oh, I don't know. I don't think I could play a footballer or manager. There must be another amazing story like the Neil Baldwin one - Toby Jones played the Stoke City Kit-man in a lovely film called "Marvellous".
I'd love to play a boot-man or line painter or such like, who has stayed with his hometown club, working there all his life, and earned the respect of those who met him. He'd have to be Northern though!
One footballer you'd invite to dinner?
Tough, tough one.... I was in the same room as Pele, when we filmed "Mike Bassett England Manager" in Rio. Didn't meet him but he walked by me and I'm sure he smiled at me!
I'd like to think the Lionel would be a lot of laughs but I fear he would be rather shy and reserved. It would have to be a great conversationalist, teller of old tales with a wicked sense of humour. Dinner tables should be lively, appreciative of the food and surroundings and everyone should be interested in their fellow guests.
I think Roy Keane would be quite fun. Of the present players, Jude stands out as a witty, fun but hugely talented lad who has a real sense of humour. And despite his rocketing career he seems to be someone who will never forget where he came from and is proud of that. Anybody who has huge success but stays grounded is to be admired.
