With the World Cup in full swing, we caught up with South Yorkshire illustrator Rob Coyne, the artist behind Four Four Tune, to talk football heroes, why painting Goldenballs is tricky and how a spell in hospital led to a growing collection of togger-inspired artwork.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into what you do?
I’m Rob. I’m an illustrator from Sheffield and I’ve been creating football-inspired art as Four Four Tune since early 2024.
It basically started as a bit of art therapy in 2023 while I was at Weston Park having treatment for testicular cancer. The chemotherapy left me bedbound and that’s where the idea came from. I started doodling walking characters of local football teams and players who I consider the best to wear a certain shirt number and it’s naturally evolved from there.
I just draw what I feel like on that day. It was a huge help in getting me through being ill (as well as Weston Park Hospital, so big up Weston Park) and it’s now left me with a love for a hobby that brings me joy and connects me with two things I love: art and football.
Let’s get into it – who do you support and who were your football icons growing up?
I’m a big Wednesday fan so it’s not been the smoothest of rides over the last few years but now, with everything seemingly back under control, it’s genuinely exciting to see what the future holds.
Growing up I was lucky enough to see the back end of the good times. So Chris Waddle and David Hirst were my first footballing heroes but, beyond that, France ‘98 was the first World Cup I properly remember. Seeing Ronaldo (R9) for Brazil against Scotland nearly fried my tiny mind. I’d never seen someone be that good at football. I know it’s probably not a controversial opinion, but I really believe that, if it wasn’t for his knee injuries, the debate about the greatest player ever wouldn’t even exist.
What’s the creative process like – do you stick an episode of The Big Match on in the background, flick through a well-thumbed old Panini sticker album and wait for the creative juices to flow?
Generally, it’s football around a fixture that I enjoy drawing most. I’ll put the match on and get sketching. Away from that, I’ll usually watch highlights of the player I’m drawing and remember the good times when players played with a bit of flair and took defenders on. Maybe that’s my age and nostalgia coming through!
Who’s the toughest footballer to illustrate – and why?
Currently, David Beckham. I’m working on a legends of the No 7 shirt series and I just can’t get it right. I can’t put my finger on why but that’s the fun – and the frustration – so I’m dancing around that one and drawing other No 7 legends instead.
I also had a tough time drawing Alan Shearer. No matter what I did, it just ended up looking like Robson Green from Soldier Soldier.
If you could illustrate one iconic moment from football history, what would it be?
Probably either Waddle’s free-kick at Wembley v the Blades. I know that’s probably only iconic to Sheffield Wednesday fans, but I’d really love to create something around that.
Internationally, maybe something around England lifting the World Cup in 1966 – or soon to be 2026.
Oof, here we go. So you reckon we’ll do it?
Yes, we’ll win it. You’ve got to hold on to the dream.
When the squad was released, I wasn’t blown away but I think Tuchel has chosen the players who benefit and complement Harry Kane the most. They’re all incredible footballers so it’s not like we’re a one-man team by any stretch but, to stand any chance, getting the ball to the bloke who’s just scored 64 goals for Bayern Munich isn’t a bad plan A to have.
On that note, do you see an uptick in custom when a World Cup or major footballing event is on?
Definitely during the domestic season. I’ve only really just started on the international pieces so this World Cup could generate some interest for sure.
You also have a lion on the Pride of Yorkshire trail, which has gone down a treat across South Yorkshire. Where can people find yours and what’s it all about?
Funnily enough, despite being a Wednesday fan, I’ve done the lions and lionesses for both Rotherham United and Barnsley FC. You’ll find mine outside the New York Stadium and Oakwell respectively.
The lions feature my walking character style, with Miller Bear for Rotherham and Toby Tyke for Barnsley. The lionesses, however, were something a little different, which was fun to try.
What an incredible project to be asked to be part of, and for such an important cause. Giving something back to Sheffield Children’s Hospital is a real honour. They cared for my mum extensively when she was a child, then the care they gave me over the years, and now the care they’ve given my children too, has been amazing. Doing this to help them raise money is really special.
Finally, if you could design a mural, print or commission for any football club, player or stadium in the world, what would be top of your wish list?
I mean, I’ve mentioned them a lot through this interview but it’s got to be Sheffield Wednesday. To do something at the ground of the club I love would be beyond incredible.
That being said, somewhere like Camp Nou wouldn’t be a bad backup to the fortress.
