Hello, my names Brian and I am a keen sports fan. I am lucky enough, that my job coincides with my passion a Sports Correspondent. I regularly write for the Yellow Advertiser, following around a number of teams such as West Ham Utd, Tottenham Hotspur, Southend Utd and Essex County Cricket Club, recently I was lucky enough to make my radio debut commentating on Wycombe Wanderers v Northampton Town, in the Carabao Cup first round. Alongside my love for sports, I have three sons who I love to watch compete in their sports respectively. I always get dragged in by my local club Old Southendians and Southchurch Cricket Club to play alongside my eldest son when they are short on numbers.
What is your favourite joke?
Not a joke but a sketch – Pete and Dud with their famous ‘Bloody Greta Garbo’ skit – comedy gold!
What makes you smile?
Seeing my friends, family and particularly my children, happy. My youngest son, Oliver, has an amazing imagination. His ideas and philosophies always make me smile.
What is your favourite good news story?
I like seeing feel-good stories about people who deservedly succeed. Always good to see a bent politician (or football club owner) getting his just deserts too.
What inspires you?
I love seeing good people attempting, and succeeding, in fulfilling their dreams, aspirations and ambitions. It’s great to see people doing well, whatever they set out to do.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Making it a more peaceful place would be a start.
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
Not sure if it’s a superpower, but perhaps time traveller? I wouldn’t try to change history, but there are a few people I’ve lost who I’d like to spend more time with or meet. Also, a few notable sporting occasions I’d like to witness – notably the 1930 FA Cup final, when the Graf Zeppelin flew low over Wembley Stadium (There’s something hauntingly beautiful about airships).
What is your favourite food?
Shepherds Pie or a good curry. I must say, the pie and mushy peas they serve up at Accrington Stanley Football Club is amazing too!
What is your favourite drink?
I seem to be drinking a fair bit of Shipyard Pale Ale at the moment. Oh, and brandy.
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
Alka Seltzer!
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
I had real trouble with this one – obviously, anything that brings about a more honest and acceptable society for everyone. However, I asked my son Oliver (aged 9) for his thoughts: “Everyone has to learn to play a musical instrument,” was his response.
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
I have a bronze medal in Latin American dancing (I was 6-years-old and now can’t remember a step).
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them – They went out and happened to things (Leonardo da Vinci)
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
My good friend, Tom Leggett, works tirelessly to raise awareness for his young son, Alfie, who was diagnosed with a rare condition called Norrie disease, which is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the eye and almost always leads to blindness.
Tom, a big Colchester United supporter, has undertaken a number of events, including running to away matches at Southend and Cambridge to raise funds for Alfie’s treatment. A message on his Facebook page simply reads – I will do whatever it takes to give my son a better chance in life.
I’d like to see Tom – and other parents in similar positions – offered as much support as is possible.
Who is your favourite music artist?
Wow, tough one? Always been fond of Kate Bush and her music, although I find a number of songs and artists quite inspirational when they are on the wireless.
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
My wife, Victoria. She gave me the confidence to write and explore my ideas. Undoubtedly, without her, this adventure would still be a dream. My mum, Eileen, has always been supportive too. She’s a pretty inspirational person.
PJ’s or Not?
Hot or cold? Hot (Unless it’s beer)
Cat or dog? Dog
Blue or pink? Blue (I support Southend United)
Tea or coffee? Coffee (sometimes with brandy added)
Glass half-empty or glass-half-full? Always half-full!
Pyjamas or not? Not
Night out or night in? Night out
Pizza or pasta? Pizza
Biscuits or cake? Cake
Wine or beer? Beer
Football or rugby? Football (Are you serious?)
Cinema or theatre? Cinema
Gym or TV? TV
Naughty or nice? Nice of course! What are you trying to imply?
Silver or gold? Gold
Tent or hotel? Hotel
Bath or shower? Bath
Starter or pudding? Pudding
Sheets or duvet? Duvet
Love Island or Game of Thrones? Have to say Game of Thrones – Our lead actor in The Bromley Boys – Brenock O’Connor – starred in it.
Finally, apple or banana? Always banana!
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