Perry’s recollection of his first pair of football boots is vividly clear, aged six he had a pair of Winfield’s.

Winfield was the Woolworths own brand of football boots and were designed with four stripes on the side. Of course one stripe was removed and the Winfields four stripes became adidas or so Perry would claim.

A young, make that very young Perry Groves

Three years later and Perry’s talent must have been shining, his parents bought him a pair of adidas Beckenbauer Super football boots. A popular choice at the time with Beckenbauer being amongst the worlds best players. This was a traditional black, three stripes football boot, only the stripes were yellow not white.

Perry’s professional career began at Colchester and at that time players supplied their own boots. But when he became George Graham’s first signing for Arsenal, things started looking up for Perry and his feet.

At a club like Arsenal, boot company rep’s and agents were on the prowl to get the players wearing their boots. It was no different for Perry. Arriving with the adidas boots he bought and used at Colchester, they were replaced by the club for a new pair. But it wasn’t long before PUMA paid Perry to wear their boots for the season, with bonuses if he wore them in a cup final, which he did.

He switched back to adidas after the PUMA contract was up, but Perry’s best boot deal was with Italian football boot brand Lotto.

Following the 1990 World Cup in Italy, Lotto were keen to extend their presence to the top English league. They approached Perry and offered him a three year contract to wear the Lotto brand. They paid well for the time, with Perry receiving £2,000 in year one, £3,000 year two and £4,000 year three, plus all the leisurewear he wanted. Not that it suited him!

Perry felt their clothing was made for the typical Latino bodyshape, tight round the hips, something Perry felt highlighted his large behind. He likened his look at the time to a gay Jimmy Saville.

Perry felt his boots were also built for the Latin shaped foot, too thin for his liking and he’d ask his “boot boy” to wear the boots in for him before he’d train or wear them in a competitive game.

The modern day Lotto boot - Zhero Gravity Tre

Towards the end of his time at Arsenal, Perry switched to Brooks football boots.

Although Perry was delighted with all the leisurewear Brooks supplied him, he felt the football boots were like wearing bricks. This led to him switching back to adidas, removing the branding and adding the Brooks logo on to the boots.

Perry got away with masking the boots but fellow team-mate, the late David Rocastle, didn’t have such luck when he tried the same manoeuvre. Rocastle had painted the Nike logo on his adidas boots but a shower during a match washed the paint off, leaving him in hot water with his sponsor.

Perry has now swapped his boots for a pen, having turned literary sensation. His first book, an autobiography, “We All Live in a Perry Groves World” outsold Ashley Cole’s memoirs which was released at the same time. This was a result of its honest approach and the fact that Arsenal fans wanted to elevate the cult figure above Cole in the book charts.

His latest read sees Perry pick out his own 20 heroes of the game, hence the title “Football Heroes”. Including a range of players from Pele to Matt Le Tissier, its Perry’s take on the characters and their ability, yet carries his signature humorous character.

Perry Groves is a judge for the Footy Boots Football Boot Awards. If you haven’t voted yet, get your skates on and register your vote here.

Crowd image courtesy of arsenalpics.com

And so, at the end of a hectic 6 weeks of filming, we come to the end of our series of Perry Groves video football boot tests.

Such have been his performances in front of the camera, Footy Boots has fielded calls from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese all clammering to sign Perry up for new projects. Indeed, we were even contacted by the ‘In and Out’ film company from California but after studying a few examples of their work (37 DVD’s to be honest) we eventually had to turn them down.

Luckily for us, Perry has stayed loyal to his first love, rebuffed the offers from tinsel town and continued on his quest to report back to the Footy Boot aficionados.

Since we started, Perry has tried out the Umbro SX Valor, SprintFit, Tiempo Legend II, V1.08, and Nomis Glove.

And today, in our final film, the former Arsenal legend takes a look at the Adidas adiPURE.

Since Perry made his report, Adidas have brought out a special version of the boot for Euro 2008.

You can see these below and check out Perry’s video of the original here.

Make sure you keep an eye on the Footy Boot video section for a brand new series of films coming up soon.

Four down and two to go. Footy Boots is challenging the stamina of Arsenal legend Perry Groves as he continues his exhaustive set of football boot video tests.

With football boot manufacturers on edge around the world to see if Perry gives their product the thumbs up, this week it’s the turn of Puma execs for the cold sweat treatment as our Footy Boots expert tries out the V1.08.

Admittedly, our Perry may not have the build of some of the athletes in the Puma V1.08 ad, (Samuel Eto’o is probably the only player who comes close) but he was still willing to give it a go nonetheless.

To see what he thought of the V1.08, all you need to do is click here.

Footy Boots expert Perry Groves is half way through his schedule of video football boot tests and they’ve certainly struck a chord with players and manufacturers.

Footy Boots has been inundated with offers of other football boots for Perry to test, along with some other products which have caused the odd raised eyebrow in the Footy Boots office.

Breathable football shirts, shin pads and even a newly designed Astroturf pitch have all been put on the ‘possible’ list for future filming, though the gear offered by the ‘Pleasurama Private Shop’ in Amsterdam has been given the thumbs down. Ironic really, as most of the items have been designed to make certain body parts go in the opposite direction.

Tearing our attention back to football boots, still to come are the adiPure and the V1.08 but this time round, it’s the turn of the Nike Tiempo Legend II. One legend testing another you might say.

To find out what Perry made of them, all you need to do is click here.

The Footy Boots video boot reports have certainly caused a stir since Perry Groves launched his investigations two weeks ago.

Ron from Scotland contacted us to say “Congrats on getting Perry Groves to work for Footy Boots - he’s a legend.” John and Barry emailed from an army base overseas to say simply “we love Perry” whilst Lucio from London wrote “it doesn’t matter what Perry Groves wears on his feet - the man is a genius.” Mind you, that email was written in crayon.

This week, after putting the Umbro SX Valor and Nomis Glove through their paces, Perry switches his attention to the Reebok SprintFit.

As it happens, these football boots were in the news recently as Barcelona striker Thierry Henry was due to wear the brand new version of the Reebok SprintFit Pro for the first time in last weekend’s 0 - 0 draw with Espanyol. Due to a fever, Henry didn’t feature, but they just might get a run out this evening against Manchester United in the Champions League semi final.

Henry said ““The Sprintfit football boot just keeps on getting better and better. What I love about this football boot is it allows me to play my natural game, it’s like an extension of me.”

As for the manufacturer, they say that the football boot delivers an unbeatably snug fit thanks to Reebok’s Kinetic Fit System technology. An exquisitely soft K-Skin leather upper aids both flexibility and ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for the foot during play.

So Henry likes them as do Reebok. But importantly, what did Perry make of them? Find out just how highly the former Arsenal player rated them right here.

It must have been a tough weekend for Perry Groves, watching his former side Arsenal crash out of the Premier League title race with their defeat at Manchester United, but the ex Gunners favourite was still enthusiastic enough to once again hit the training pitch for another Footy Boots football boot video review.

Last week it was the turn of the Umbro SX Valor (as worn by England and Chelsea’s John Terry) and in the weeks to come, Perry will be casting a critical eye, not to mention a critical pair of feet, across the SprintFit, AdiPure, Tiempo Legend II and V1.08.

This time round, it’s Australia’s finest which comes under the microscope, the Nomis Glove.

What did Perry think? You can find out right here.

Having secured the services of Perry Groves amongst some intense competition from a number of other football web sites including www.didntheusedtobeaginger.com and the ever poular and respected www.groveswasbetterthanronaldinho.co.uk, Perry has been on the training ground for his first Footy Boots video boot report.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the former Arsenal star and now Sky Sports pundit, will be testing various football boots including the SprintFit, AdiPure, Tiempo Legend II, V1.08, and Nomis Glove.

Umbro SX Valor

This week, the 1987 League Cup winner has been trialling the Umbro SX Valor, as worn by Chelsea and England’s John Terry.

Our Perry might not be at his ’spring chicken’ best any more (in fact it’s more like Kentucky Fried Chicken these days) but his football brain is still as sharp as ever. Find out what he made of the SX Valor by watching here.

At Footy Boots, we are often asked to compare and contrast different makes of football boots, to recommend boots for certain tasks - shooting, passing, volleying etc, and to provide advice on value for money and overall boot quality.

So much so that in fact, we’ve recruited another member of staff to keep us on top of all the new football boot technology and design.

Unlike most of the Footy Boots crew who as players could be best described as enthusiastic amateurs, we’ve taken on a footballing legend, Perry Groves.

Still a fans favourite at Arsenal, Groves was the first signing made by George Graham when he took over at the London club in 1986. The following season, Groves set up the winning goal in the League Cup final against Liverpool and he was part of the team that won the league title in 1989 and 1991.

Starting next week, Perry will be testing out various football boots including the SprintFit, AdiPure, Tiempo Legend II, V1.08, Nomis Glove and the SX Valor and you can see the results in video form right here at Footy Boots.

In addition, Perry, who has been forging a successful media career particularly with Sky Sports, will become a regular Footy Boots columnist and will tackling the major issues facing the game today.

Perry said “I am delighted to be joining Footy Boots and I look forward to testing out and trialling the modern football boots of today. I hope the videos prove entertaining and informative and that I get to keep all the boots afterwards!” Best keep an eye out on eBay then.

Perry Groves fact file

Born: April 19th, 1965

League Clubs: Colchester United, Arsenal & Southampton

Honours: League Title 1988/89 & 1990/91, League Cup 1987

Perry Groves Swings into Action on the Arsenal Crisis
We caught up with Arsenal legend and friend of Footy Boots, Perry Groves this week to get his take on the crisis at Arsenal following the departure of Thierry Henry. What does the fans favourite think of Thierry Henry going? Perry said “Thierry Henry’s transfer was good business, if Wenger wanted to keep him, he could have made him stay, but Wenger thinks the time is right to release him. A good bit of business.”

And Wenger himself? “Arsenal should chain Wenger to the Emirates.”

All talk has been Wenger following Henry out, but Perry believes the great man is staying, for a long time. “Wenger will sign an extension to his contract by Christmas,” Perry assured us.

The only subject left for the explosive midfielder to tackle was the David Dein departure - the event that has proved to be the catalyst to the recent events. “Dein will be back at Arsenal,” said Perry. “By keeping quiet and not getting into the media circus around the Arsenal fiasco, Dein has kept his cards close to his chest. Kroenke will be taking over or more strongly involved and Dein will be at the helm,” predicted Perry. As always Perry pitches into the Arsenal debate with a straight forward insider’s view, that the fans come to expect from the outspoken firebrand.

Perry will be featuring at the Derby Legends Golf Classics Event - the chance for you to play for your team, either Arsenal or Tottenham against your arch rival. Limited places are still available at www.legendsderbygolfclassics.co.uk

Arsenal Legend Perry Groves Answers the Questions All Arsenal Fans Are Asking

The shock resignation of Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has caused waves of alarm in football and especially amongst Arsenal’s fans. We spoke to Arsenal legend, and friend of footy-boots, Perry Groves to get his take on what is going on at the Emirates.

Firstly Perry pitched in on Dein’s known favouring of an Arsenal take-over “It is likely that Dein sees what is happening at Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and to some extent Aston Villa.”

How does Perry feel about a take-over? “This would not be a bad thing, as with Dein as part of the takeover, Arsenal fans could be assured that the best interest of Arsenal will be at Dein’s heart.”

Manager Arsene Wenger’s future has been put in doubt by the resignation. Perry thinks Wenger will be completely up to date with Dein’s situation. “Wenger is very close to the ex-vice chairman: Dein listens to Wenger and vice versa” said the fiery font of knowledge. Perry added, “Dein will be looking at Arsenals best interests, not just his own. Wenger may have said to keep in line with the other clubs, we will need investment and Dein probably saw this as the vehicle.”

Perry’s Position on David Dein

Perry it seems, feels the resignation paves the way for Dein to join forces with an outside group willing to take-over the Arsenal brand, and gave a fascinating insight into Dein the man, saying “Dein will not want to just own shares in Arsenal now (about 14%), he wouldn’t be able to just be a bit part player. He will either sell them and make a cool £60 million, or use them to become part of a new investment takeover.” This certainly gives a different spin to the resignation story. Perry had nothing but praise for the out-going vice-chairman, adding “Dein lives the Arsenal and watches every game. He will now not know what to do during match time. He loves the Arsenal.”

We asked Perry what he’d say to Dein if he saw him, to which he replied in typical cheeky fashion, “Can I have your seat in the Directors box for the weekend fixture against rivals Tottenham!”

Perry Groves Answers Your Questions

Perry Groves will be talking more about the Arsenal at a Q and A session next week. Along with Perry are fellow Arsenal legends Charlie George, Kenny Sansom and Paul Merson, at a 5-star night which includes a raffle and auction.

Tickets are £75.00 per head, for an evening that promises to be a fantastic feast of footballing fun for everyone who attends. For more info and to book your tickets, click here (PDF), or contact Jamie on 01234 751025 - 07917 771536 or Email: harvey.keeble@btinternet.com.

Perry Pitches in with a Forthright Assessment of the England Players and Manager

Former Arsenal legend, and friend of Footy-Boots, Perry Groves has given us his verdict on England’s performance against Andorra in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. England won against the part-timers, but their manner of victory was hardly emphatic, and coach Steve McClaren has been targetted as the culprit and mastermind of England’s downfall.

Perry was not exactly impressed by the lack of movement and urgency by the England players saying, “Whoever keeps tying their laces together needs to pack it in!”. Even Steven Gerrard comes in for a Perry pounding, “Get Gerrard to take his rollerskates off,” added the cult hero.

Perry Groves on Steve McClaren
Finally Perry turned his fury onto England coach Steve McClaren, who came in for some Perry Groves treatment earlier in the season (Read the Story) with a scathing attack that sums up the mood of a majority of England supporters.

“Steve McClaren? Give him one massive free boot out of the door.” adding “Boot McClaren out and stick him in a car boot sale!”. On Wednesday night’s performance the boot sale could well be McClaren’s next pitch!

Let us know if you agree with Perry Groves or not.

Read more Perry Groves Articles

Perry Groves on Lee Dixon’s football boots and his old boot boy, Andy Cole

Lee Dixon Own Goal

Lee Dixon went with an American company once called Brooks. They were trying to get into the UK football boot market, but their football boots were worse than Woolworths’ football boots. They were rock hard, were mis-shaped and were like wearing Hobnail boots.

Dixon was wearing them in training and we were all taking the micky. Normally he’d ditch them, but because he was being paid to wear them, he didn’t want to.

Anyway, Dicko (Lee Dixon) was wearing these football boots for the first time during a game against Coventry. he had the ball in the right back position, without any pressure. He went to flight the ball back to Seaman, but instead managed to lob the ball over Seaman for an own goal, he never wore the football boots again (see the goal here).

Andy Cole

Andy Cole was my boot boy. He was lucky, he only looked after three players’ football boots. It was me Rodders (Tony Adams) and someone else.

One Christmas we got all the boot boys together. They wouldn’t get paid much at that time, so we said we’ll give you a Christmas bonus.

In front of all the staff, we asked them to sing us a Christmas carol. If they had a go and sung it well, we’d each give then £50. So that would have been £150 for Andy Cole, a lot of money then, as he probably only earned about £25 a week. If they didn’t do it, we’d chuck the dirty boot bucket water over them.

Andy Cole was quite well balanced then, he had a chip on both of his shoulders, as he thought he was better that a lot of the other guys.

He didn’t do it though, he was the only one who didn’t get the money and he got the dirty water!

We’d like to thank Perry Groves for his straight up, honest words. His book “We All Live In A Perry Groves World” is a great read!

Ex Arsenal forward Perry Groves, talks football boots.

FB (Footy Boots)We asked Perry what his first pair of football boots were?

PG (Perry Groves)”Adidas Beckenbauer Supers, black with yellow stripes and screw ins. I was about 7 years old”.

FB Nine years later, Perry got to see a lot of football boots because he was a boot boy for Colchester.

PG“I was the worst boot boy ever; I’d leave the pro’s football boots until just before a game. I just couldn’t be bothered with it. I used to come away from cleaning them looking like a chimney boy. We used cherry blossom polish and dubbing”.

FBWe asked him how it works; Do the players all chuck their football boots in to the boot room at the end of a game?

PG“You’re having a laugh; I used to have to go out onto the training pitch to get them. They’d just chuck them to one side; they wouldn’t even whack the mud off of them”.

FBWe wondered how players in Groves’s era managed to get a “boot deal”.

PG“Well, when I first got to the club I didn’t have a football deal. As soon as I broke into the first team, I’d see the football boot rep’s come along with their vans and show their gear off to the signed players. One of the players would introduce me to the rep and then they’d offer me a load of gear to wear along with the football boots. Nowadays, the pro’s will have football boots made specially for them, but in our day we just had ‘off the peg’ football boots”.

There’s more to come from the Perry Groves interview we’ll let you know what Groves said about ‘Lee Dixon and a pair of American football boots’. It’s all good stuff but we’ll save that for another day.

Today Ashley Cole’s book, My Defence, is 3,083th in the Amazon sales chart. We All Live in a Perry Groves World is 194th.

In the second part of the Footy-Boots.com interview with Perry Groves, Perry tells us why he thinks his book We All Live in a Perry Groves World is outselling Ashley Cole’s and why Cole has fallen out of favour with the football fans.

“Ashley Cole’s book has made him come across as self important and pompous. His attitude is “I’m more important than Arsenal, everyone owes me”.

“He should have more integrity in himself, but I blame the people around him. His agents will be in his ear hole, the silly bird (Cheryl Tweedy). His head wasn’t turned until the silly bird was involved”.

“You can bet your life that the agent and the bird were saying, you should be earning as much as Thierry Henry. They should have been saying, you’re a left back, he’s a centre forward, you don’t get paid as much as a centre forward. Why not? Because left backs are not as important as centre forwards in the team. Ashley Cole makes a 2% difference to Chelsea, Thierry Henry would make a 10% difference to Chelsea. That’s why Thierry gets the money he does”.

“When I was playing I would never talk about money with other players. And, if I went to George Graham and said I wanted more money, he’d say “Do you want medals or money?” He had a fair point!”

Perry’s straight talking interview will continue over the next few days, here on Footy-Boots.com.

The Perry Groves interview.