As a Norwich City fan, I had a shock this week when I saw that Phil Jones had scored for Man Utd against the Canaries. Obviously I've known about the "other" Phil Jones and Norwich's defensive frailty. However, the truth is I have secretly enjoyed having a namesake and thinking that it I could be the professional footballer. This fantasy has been stoked by Twitter, and it's been quite fun.
My Twitter handle is @PhillJones and the "real" Phil Jones' handle is @Ph1lj0nes . Therefore, it is not surprising that people occasionally get us confused. However, it is quite a lazy mistake, not forgetting the small (but irrationally important to me) fact that I have two L's in my name.
When Phil first signed for Man Utd and I received my first wrong tweet, I thought that I was going to get showered with adulation. I even thought that I could masquerade as a professional - it's always been a dream, and I think I would be better at social media than most footballers.
This idea was quickly killed when it became apparent that the only people who made the mistakes were mostly bonkers. They were often violent, graphic in language and provided an insight into the abuse that celebrities must encounter on a daily basis.
Part of me can understand the thrill of tweeting a celebrity and getting some form of reaction (a post-modern ding-door-dash if you will), but trolling or sending abuse is frankly disgusting. I believe that the direct access we get to celebrities and sportsmen through Twitter is a privilege. It is great hearing views from people direct and avoiding the spin/bias of a newspaper article. Michael Owen has used it particularly well a couple of times when he predicted he would be misquoted. A number of stories that would have previously been front page on the News of the World have been quashed immediately by the person in question providing their side of the story and castrating any sordid headline. (it's also great to watch them get it wrong, or tweet whilst drunk or grumpy).
But that's all a bit boring. Here's the fun bit, some of my favourite tweets that I've received in my time as defender for Manchester United (kind of):
Fuck you @philljones
What an effort by @philljones for @ManUtd
@philljones78 @philljones @philljones79 @philljones_j congratulations to 78. You have won my best cum face photo. Pic to follow.....#mufc
Sometimes you've got to feel bad for a mistake like that but that was fucking hilarious #welldone @PhillJones
Take a rest guys! Kalian Luar Biasa! Good Night @Persie_Official @WayneRooney @philljones @CH14_ @D_DeGea @7AntoV @rioferdy5 EvraDKK! Sukses
The last one is my favourite. It's great to be considered in the same company as those guys. Deep down, I'll always hope that it was really meant for me.
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