The Boston United FC striker gets the call-up he’s been waiting for his whole career
Footballer Lenell John-Lewis is often serenaded by fans singing, “his name is a shop, his name is a shop!”
So, to celebrate an upcoming summer of football we’ve officially snapped him up. Here, we sit down with him to find out if he loves or hates the chant, where he’ll be watching the footie and what he really thinks about VAR.
Fans often chant, ‘His name is a shop when you come on to the pitch. Do you love it or hate it?
Honestly? I love it. It actually started back during my time at Bury, so it’s followed me around for well over 10 years. At first you're like… really? That's what we're going with? But when you hear a whole stand singing it you can't help but smile. It's become mine, hasn't it. I wouldn't change it.
What made you decide to lean into it for this John Lewis campaign?
It just made sense. It’s always been the punchline my whole career, so it felt about time I got something out of it. But genuinely when the opportunity came about I thought, this is madness in the best way. And my nan she's been going into John Lewis for years, just sitting on the sofas watching the tellies. So this one's for her really.
What’s the biggest mistake football fans make when preparing for a major summer tournament?
The screen. Every time. People will have loads of mates round, massive occasion, everyone hyped and they're all squinting at some tiny TV that's been in the corner since 2008. Apparently 1/6 people think their setup is more subs bench than starting 10 and honestly, from what I've seen, that's being generous. The screen is everything. Get that right and everything else follows.
Who is your No1 player of all time?
Thierry Henry, no debate. His style and charisma when he played, alongside his ability, was undeniable. Also influenced why I'm number 14.
VAR: Good or bad?
I’m not a fan of VAR at all! I'll take the chaos of the unchecked challenges. Half the emotion of football is in that moment the goal crosses the line and the crowd goes mental. The game is subjective to each individual and that’s still being shown via VAR, so just leave it. You're celebrating but you've got one eye on the screen. John Lewis’s TVs are sharp enough to rival a VAR check so at least if it's happening, you'll see every pixel of the injustice.
Where are you going to watch this summer’s big football matches?
Home. It’s only right to get the family round, nan on the sofa obviously and everyone together. And with 43% of people saying the late kick offs make them more likely to stay in any way - the nation's catching up with what I already knew.
What foodie treats will you have on tap to watch the late night matches?
You need proper snacks. Providing zero snacks is a matchday red card in my house. That's a straight sending off. My go to? Guinness and Dorito Chilli Heatwave crisps. That’s the perfect combo right there. You can’t beat it.
Keep an eye out for more from our newest signing, coming soon…
