My father took me to watch Kent play the West Indies and it was there that I got my first autograph. At my father's suggestion I pursued a tall smartly dressed gentleman with a large nose and two tone shoes. Not only did he appear delighted to accept my autograph book and pen he also asked me who my favourite player was. He was Brian Johnston and he became my favourite cricket commentator. Soon after that I went to my first serious football match. Chelsea against Everton at Stamford Bridge where for a halfcrown extra you could sit on a wooden plank rather than stand to watch the game. How things have changed! Although my love for sport grew and diversified it was soon apparent that enthusiasm is no substitute for skill and I would have to pursue other career opportunities. Keen as ever I followed Kent's cricketers to numerous Lord's finals (all unsuccessful), supported Manchester United and Gillingham, was a steward at the Open Golf Championship at Royal St Georges and always read a newspaper back to front. It never occurred to me that I would get the chance to report on these sort of things until in 1987 I spotted an advertisement for cricket commentators. Intrigued I applied and to my astonishment was given the chance to follow and commentate on all Kent games. I was during this time that I met John Warnett. I soon followed him to BBC Radio Kent and after a decade of radio I made the transition to TV shortly after BBC South East Today went on air. I still love sport and hugely enjoy the opportunity to meet with many people who share my obsession in our area. For me sport is all about passion and unpredictability. Nothing in sport should be taken for granted and nothing is impossible providing you give it your best shot. We try and cover as wide a variety of sports and participants as possible on South East Today but if you know of something or somebody you believe would be of interest to our viewers, let me know. | 
