How to survive your dressing room initiation

1 BELT OUT A WINNING PERFORMANCE
Notable victim: Andriy Shevchenko was made to sing in front of his Chelsea team-mates on the Blues’ tour of the USA. They pelted him with bread rolls.
Survival tip: “Remember, nerves are only adrenaline,” says public-speaking expert Simon Bucknall. “Put your chin down and take two deep breaths from your stomach before you start.”

2 WATCH YOUR CLOTHES GO UP IN FLAMES
Notable victim: Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang tested the humour of John Hartson by torching his brand new suit, before soaking the charred remains in a puddle and letting down his car tyres.
Survival tip: “If you’ve got a bad temper, walk away from the situation,” says clinical psychologist Isabel Clarke. “Exercise can defuse feelings of anger.”

3 WHISPER SWEET NOTHINGS TO A MOP
Notable victim: Nicky Butt was forced to chat up a mop in front of Man United’s first team while David Beckham had to, er, get up close and personal with a photo of Clayton Blackmore.
Survival tip: “Just throw yourself into it,” says confidence coach Martin Perry. “You’ll earn respect. Being out of your comfort zone will give you a boost.”

 

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