By BrianC
October 30 2002

The Craic has secured an interview with Digger. Two in fact, one with Digger himself and one with a certain human being who, shall we say, knows Digger better than any of us. Today we have Digger himself.

Digger, your coat seems lighter and cleaner than previous seasons.
Yes it is, I have had a good wash and brush up in the closed season. I have even got new boots and kit and a new cap.  My name has been put on my shirt but I wish they had put it further up across my shoulders. As I have been working out a bit my chest is a bit bigger, all you ladies are welcome to feel my chest and stroke my tummy whenever you want, you only have to ask. I enjoy having my thighs stroked as well, sorry guys ladies only!!
 
 
Was it hell going to the Poodle Parlour pre-season?
It was hell, all that nancying about with curling tongs and brushes. Mind you there were some nice looking 'bitches' in there there was one poodle with a big bow in her hair. I could have rolled in the grass with her but I think my size put her off !! If you know what I mean, woof woof. 

Abseiling last year with the Army, did you use a double or do you always look that scared?
That is the best thing I have ever done, yes it was all me, I do all my own stunts. The army were fantastic they helped me out and encouraged me all the way. It was a great cause as well. I think Stephanie Ball was fantastic in doing the jump with me. It was actually very scary the first time I was stood on the edge of the roof, having to lean out and then just jump. Wow what a buzz.  I'm glad the rope was thick though, but once you were over the edge, the feeling was brilliant. I wanted to do it again and again. We are planning to do Twickenham next if we reach the final again, so come on the lads!!  

At the Powergen semi last year, why did you disappear after only 15mins, did that s**t Harvey, hurpees or whatever his name is hurt you? 
I wasn't actually going to do any entertaining at all at the semis as I had a bone fide ticket for the match but I was persuaded to do a bit before KO, which I did. Someone warned me about the 2 brain deads, Harley Farley and Piggy Malone or whatever their names are. All they wanted to do was fight. I'm sure some of you saw them trying to get me on the floor, it took both of them to do it though, the pansies!  They even ripped my shirt and broke my boots. I had to go off because I am not doing this to be a hooligan like them. Its not good for the children to think Digger fights. I hopefully portray a fairly good image, although I am a little bit on the naughty side sometimes! I don't need idiots like them to ruin it for me.

Do you want a Mrs Digger to frolic with on the pitch?
As much as I would like to frolic about with a Mrs Digger on the pitch I think if she was there every game I'm sure eventually she would have me going shopping instead or staying at home hoovering while she took the limelight. I think it best not to have a Mrs Digger. I don't think Jumbo would like it either. She would probably want him to have a bow in his hair. Besides she would be jealous of all the ladies I kiss!!! Then I would be in big trouble. I am not sexist by the way I do all my own ironing and wash my socks regularly.

Are you coming to Edinburgh or any other away fixtures this year?
I don't usually go to away games as I don't like being put in one of them travelling boxes, lots of people ask if I am going to any away fixtures. To be honest when I get there I usually just get abuse hurled at me so to travel all that way for that is not much fun. I always go to Saracens though as my mate Sarrie the camel always looks after me and its not too far away. He has already invited me there for our away fixture so those of you who go will see me there. 

Can Mrs Goz be your girlfriend?
It depends! what does Mrs Goz look like? Could she cope with a big dog like me! woof ! Can she wear a red carnation next game then I can spot her. Alternatively, can she make herself known to me somehow. Perhaps via a streak across the pitch or something equally outrageous. Only then will I decide !!! She has to prove herself to me.

Are there other mascots that you particularly do/do not get on with?
Yes, my good friend Sarrie the camel from Saracens, we get on very well, he was going to come to our home game this season but he couldn't make it.  'He had the hump' ha ha ha. In fact he was gutted he missed it, he was looking forward to the Mad Stad. Had he come he would have been our first visiting mascot. I will let you decide who are the obvious ones I don't get on with.  Another I get on ok with Bernie from the 'Saints' as well. He was very gracious in defeat at Twickenham when WE WON THE POWERGEN CUP! Sorry Bernie. He beat me in the Premier rugby awards as the best mascot, I came second which I find hard to believe. After all I AM the best, not too big headed am I ? I will beat him next year hopefully, but good luck to him. I am not really bitter.