Tell us something about your rugby career. Which clubs you have played for?
I began playing for Glossop in 1977 and joined the 1st XV in 1979. Previous to this, I had represented Derbyshire Schools since I was 13. I then went on to play for Derbyshire U19s and U21s. At 19, I made my debut for the ‘Notts, Lincs and Derbys U23s’ whilst maintaining my first team place at Glossop, until 1986.
After that, I joined Davenport (now Stockport) Rugby club for four years before returning to Glossop.
My success with Derbyshire first team peaked in 1988 when we won the ‘Six Counties Cup’.
Did you have any match day superstitions?
I always wore my lucky jock strap which was more of a necessity than a superstition.
Any other sporting achievements?
I once scored five goals in an inter-school football five-a-side match. I was selected for the school team as a striker within a week! What a mistake, we lost 4-0! I was never selected again…
Do you play any other sports or have any other pastimes? I know that you are a keen skier.
Yes Tim, I do love my skiing, although I do look like an avalanche careering down the mountain in my white ski suit.
I also enjoy shooting, fly fishing, swimming and sailing.
What’s your biggest ever disaster during a game, if you have ever had one?
Any amusing on pitch or other rugby incidents that you would like to recall for us?
Wow Tim, being Dave Oldham, there’s quite a few!
Oaf, Joe James and Mike Lomas had travelled to watch me play at Burton-on-Trent for ‘Three counties’ against Shropshire. It was bad enough being made substitute, but then it got worse; I was selected to be linesman. With five minutes left to play, we scored a try in the corner. Elated, I jumped in the air, thrusting the flag above my head indicating a ‘Foot in touch’. The try was disallowed and we lost the game. The lads weren’t best pleased that night.
One Saturday during my stint at Davenport, we arrived at Kendal to play, only to see four inches of snow on the ground. Our coach advised that we put on plenty of deep heat to avoid injury.
As I always seemed to be the only one who brought any embrocation, it was time for a laugh! I switched the tube with a tube of toothpaste and told the boys to be careful with the small amount that I gave them. I left them to rub it into their legs for 5 minutes or so and then said to them “I’ve got a ring of confidence about you lot today!”
It’s our round, what do you fancy?
I’ll have a pint of Robinsons Bitter, please.
Who is your favourite pin-up-girl?
The wife, of course! But my second choice would be Natalie Imbruglia.
Who would play you in the film version of your life?
Kevin James, who plays Albert in Hitch. (Suggested by Sue)
What would be your theme song?
“Always look on the bright side of life”
What is your fantasy career?
I would have a really successful super yacht sales company in Monte-Carlo and an entertainment company organising extravert hospitality for the rich and famous!
How would you blow £50,000?
I would go skiing with Sue and the girls for the entire winter season, travelling from resort to resort, by helicopter.
If you could own any car what would it be?
A Pagani Zonda, if I could fit in it! It has a 6 litre V12 engine from Mercedes-Benz which produces 402bhp. It does 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 190mph!
What would be your three desert island books/mags be?
Boat builders weekly (so I can build a boat and escape the island; solitude is not for me!), Landrover Owners Magazine and Riders by Jilly Cooper.
What are your four all time favourite music tracks (and who by)?
“Go your own way” by Fleetwood Mac, “Ain’t no man” by Dina Carroll, “Finally” by Ce Ce Penniston and “Pink Cadillac” by Mink Devile.
We know you are a keen skier but is this your ideal holiday?
Yes, it’s not just the skiing but the après-ski which I love. But I also enjoy boating in Mallorca during the summer months and sailing around Turkey.
If you were on a long flight, who would you most like to sit next to and have a good long chat?
Sven Goran-Eriksson, but then again, I have already done that a few years back… He said he was on his way to the Liverpool and Everton Derby match so I told him a story about the lion that had escaped from Knowsley Safari park. It had gone into Toxteth in Liverpool. The latest news was that the lion should be okay. He gave me a wry smile; I don’t think he got it. Just as we were moving onto the subject of women, we came in to land. Here’s to the next flight with him…
Thank you David,
Tim Hopkins Web Master |
