Born to Italian parents who owned a deli in south London, Don Perretta began a career in journalism running the sports section for listings magazine Time Out in the 1980s. He eventually found his way into television, where the skills he’d honed played a crucial part in developing new show formats. As indeed was the fact he was fluent in Italian. Because Don was one of the prime movers behind the creation and production of that great broadcasting institution Football Italia, made by Chrysalis Sport for Channel 4. Leading to him being given, as he says, ‘the greatest job title in the world’ – Head Of Football!
His son Imran was also highly creative in the world of arts and entertainment, which led to him becoming a Turner Prize bursary winner. His style is a true cultural and stylistic mishmash, which has seen him create performance, film and audio events that have been exhibited across the country and Europe. While most recently he has been artist-in-residence at Somerset House. Imran is currently putting the final touches to his debut (as yet to be named) feature film.
And both father and son have been coming to the Hammers forever!
So when did a Peckham boy become a West Ham fan?
DP: “When I was about four years old, I was watching Match of the Day. And it was Moore, Peters and Hurst. I believe we won 4-3. And the Claret and Blue looked really good in black and white. So that was it, I was hooked from that moment.
“His [Imran’s] first game, he was at three months old. He didn't go to it! But there’s a picture of me holding him up in front of the gates at Upton Park.”
IP: “I don't remember that one! But strangely enough (we are talking during Crystal Palace’s recent visit to the London Stadium), I think it was at Selhurst Park when I was about five or six. And by rights, given where I grew up, I suppose I should be a Palace fan? But, really, it was a done deal, because of Dad. And my uncles were obsessive West Ham fans as well. So thankfully, there was never any other option.”
Don, being a football fan and it being your job. Are there upsides and downsides to that?
DP: “Well, you have to learn to put your colours away! But for me, as a fan, it was great to get some insight behind the scenes. Because you have to learn how difficult football is as an industry. And whichever club you’re working at, the people behind the scenes are the unsung heroes. When you get to meet those people, it’s hard not to get an understanding of the larger football family. Because in one way, we’re all pulling in the same direction. And in another, we all hate each other!”
Is football ever part of the stories that you tell, Imran?
IP: “It’s funny, because in the world that I work, when people find out that I like football, and I'm a Hammers fan, it often comes as a bit of a surprise. Because I think it can be somewhat distant to them? However, the good news is that, on the film I’m making, all the sparks working on it are West Ham. They’re known in the industry as the Knight brothers. And they’re a dynasty. I think it started with their Grandad coming out of the East End as an electrician. So one day on set I wore one of my old West Ham shirts. Just as a treat for the boys. And from that moment I was, like, an honorary Knight!”
Do you both have a favourite memory?
DP: “So, I’m in the Chicken Run watching Frank McAvennie take a ball down from about 50 feet up in the air. Just killed it stone dead, turned around, beat his player, and went off! It’s an image that’s burnt into my memory because he is far and away my favourite West Ham player.”
IP: “My one is a bit more unusual, because it’s not the first team. It’s the first time I saw Joe Cole play. In those years when there was such a buzz around him and the boys in that team. We went to a game, and there he was, like the East End Messi. And I was like eight or nine, so I was close in age, and he felt like an older brother to me.”
OK, the Italian job. Favourite players?
DP: “Alessandro Diamanti. One of the most underrated players we had in a long time. Laser-guided left foot. Extraordinary control. Fully committed. Amazing drive. And Angelo Ogbonna. Absolute West Ham legend. The most reliable centre-half we’ve had in a long time. Steadying influence. Scored lots of important goals. Smiling, happy man.”
IP: “But we all know… Paolo Di Canio. Absolute maverick genius. And at that time, probably the best I’d ever seen in the flesh. It was a rare and incredible privilege to see a player of that quality week in, week out. And the fact that he was also this irreverent, bizarre footballer. Oh, and slipping it past Fabien Barthez! Magnificent!!”
