Managers take prank call in good spirit

As we reported yesterday Blain Morrison hoodwinked Pulis with an impersonation of fellow countryman and Bolton Wanderers boss Lennon during the chat on Saturday.

The Limavady striker’s prank was filmed in the town on Saturday evening. The West Brom manager returned a phone message left by Morrison, the Northern Irishman coaxed him into believing Lennon was making a loan bid for central defender Gareth McAuley.

Pulis was not in the mood for letting the Northern Ireland international leave the Hawthorns, however, describing him as a “top lad”.

Both football managers appeared on BBC 5 live with presenter Mark Chapman on Wednesday night, after the recorded telephone call became a social media hit.

Morrison had hoped Pulis would take the prank in the right spirit and both he and Lennon shared a laugh on the radio.

When Chapman introduced the Bolton manager to Pulis he replied: “What the real Neil Lennon?”

To chuckles, Lennon responded: “Tony, is Gareth McAuley available on loan?”

Morrison told BBC Northern Ireland’s Good Morning Ulster on Thursday he was glad the soccer bosses had taken the prank “the right way”.

“I have got a mutual friend who had Pulis’ number after playing under him,” he explained, “It was the first time I had pranked anyone famous.

“I thought he was going to figure out it wasn’t Neil Lennon so I was surprised. I just played along with it.

“I thought, because of my Northern Irish accent, Neil Lennon would be a good choice. I think the prank went well. I think I would definitely try other managers and players, anyone famous really if I get the chance.”