By Chris Wright
“Yeah, just a sec; I’ll check. Amanda Hugginkiss! Hey, I’m lookin’ for Amanda Hugginkiss! Oh, why can’t I find Amanda Hugginkiss?!”
Despite his side hauling themselves clear of the relegation zone with a well-deserved 2-0 win over Swansea, West Brom manager Tony Pulis was still left ever-so-slightly embarrassed on Wednesday night after getting himself caught up in a cheeky phone prank.
While the incident actually occurred earlier in the week, a Youtube clip of Pulis being pranked began circulating last night which saw the Baggies boss merrily chatting away to a man he thought was his Bolton counterpart Neil Lennon.
Alas, Pulis was actually gabbing with a Northern Irish semi-pro footballer by the name of Blain Morrison (of Limavady United in the NIFL Championship second division), who posed as Lennon in order to discuss a loan fictitious transfer deal for West Brom centre-back Gareth McAuley.
The Baggies then confirmed on Wednesday evening that the footage doing the rounds was indeed genuine.
Having previously phoned Pulis and left a message on his voicemail, Morrison then impersonated Lennon when Pulis rang him back as requested, duly inquiring as to whether McAuley would be available on loan.
Pulis blocked the approach straight away, stating that McAuley is currently “playing every week” and is “fantastic around the place”, but still discussed Lennon’s search for a defender at some length – even suggesting he take a look at Crystal Palace veteran Paddy McCarthy after being impressed by him while in charge at Selhurst Park last season.
Here’s the video, though be warned that it does contain a fair bit of naughty language…
After seeing his cheeky prank go viral, Morrison told BBC Northern Ireland:
“I thought the call would last a few seconds and didn’t expect it to last any longer.
“I hope Tony Pulis is not offended and sees the funny side and takes it in the right spirit.”
Pulis was also pressed for a response, to which he angrily replied: “You little SOB! Why, when I find out who you are, I’m going to shove a sausage down your throat and stick starving dogs up your butt!”