Hanging up the Boots

Obviously, with my Dad at Charlton, they were aware of my situation and as a result Alan Curbishley offered to take me on loan for the start of the 2001-2002 season. Unfortunately I almost immediately tore a calf muscle which kept me out for quite some time. I recovered and found myself struggling to make much of an impact, I never really got on top of my game, and in December of 2001 I returned to QPR. Ironically my form then improved and really enjoyed the remainder of the season.

Mark Fish looking on during my brief stint with Charlton

My interest in Christianity started through his mum, when she started going to church I went along a few times to see what it was all about. I had always believed in God, that he was up there somewhere, but there was never anything personal about it. Then I started going regularly and then made a commitment to Christ. Before I was a Christian if I’d had a bad game or if the team had lost I’d be down and depressed about it for a long time because football was at the centre of my life – the main thing. Now that God is the centre of my life I’ve got a better perspective and I know that’s not everything.
Football is considered a macho sport and people might think you´re soft or whatever for being a Christian and maybe they’re going to look at you critically for that. So you´ve got to be strong and say ´No, this is what I believe´. Sometimes it makes you more of a man to stand up and say that you do believe in Jesus Christ."

I’m now enjoying a career in the media, working with both the BBC and capital radio. In addition to my radio work, I’ve also been over to Singapore a couple of times to work with ESPN. English football is massive in Asia and ESPN show both a highlights programme and live fixtures. It’s certainly a different career, but it keep some in touch and I still get to see a large number of games. At present I’m more than content with life.