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Debut in front of cameras
Watch here My media career began with a spot of child acting back in the 80s. Didn't pay much but I got to keep loads of the Star Wars toys. -
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My career
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The Spur Fanzine
First story I ever had published. The feeling it gave me when the magazine came out helped me realise what I wanted to do for a living. -
Journalism College
Opted to go to college instead of stay on at school - one of the best decisions I ever made. Journalism tutor arranged for work experience which gave me the confidence to make the media my career. -
90 Minutes magazine
Work experience. Small office but loads of fun. Paul Hawksbee was editor. -
Hayters Sports Agency
Copy-taking from reporters at grounds all over Britain. Accuracy and speed key - attributes that have served me well since. -
Advertiser North London Group
My first newspaper job. Started on work experience, graduated to sports editor. Wrote and created all my own pages. A brilliant place to start work with a talented group of journalists led by a talented editor. -
Walk down the Lane
Inside look at the construction of new South Stand at White Hart Lane. Temptation to run onto the pitch and bang in an imaginary 25-yard rocket in front of the Paxton Road end was strong. I resisted...just. -
Learning from the best
Exciting times at Barnet FC when England, Liverpool and Spurs legend Ray Clemence took over as first team manager. I enjoyed a good working relationship with Ray who always made time for me. -
Mixing with the pros
I joined in pre-season training with the Barnet squad but, judging by this picture, I didn't greatly impress the boss! -
Tottenham Hotspur FC
First time at White Hart Lane as a professional journalist and not as a fan. Found it difficult not to cheer goals! -
UKPG Free Newspaper of the Year
Th UK's then most prestigious award for local newspapers. -
Sitting with Bill Nick
The thrill of sitting next to the great Bill Nicholson at a Barnet match was beyond description. He had been a player in the first Spurs team to win a league championship in 1951 and went on to be the club's greatest manager. He led the team to the first modern league and cup double in 1961 and won another four major trophies. The reason I support Tottenham. -
BBC 3 Counties Radio, UK
Began a two-season stint on radio as Barnet FC correspondent. Reported live from away games, producing scene-setters, team news and regular score updates. Arranged phone interviews with managers and players. -
Hendon Times Group, London
Brought over to rival paper by then sports editor. Started on the sports desk and graduated to become the group's chief sub. Huge pressure but the people there and the product we produced made it all worthwhile. Managed team of four subs. -
Express Newspapers, London
My first experience on a national newspaper. Worked on sports desk on weekends. Nightly deadlines made for hectic Saturday nights. Worked there for two years before sports desk was moved to the north of England. -
Independent Newspapers, Dublin
Ireland's biggest newspaper group. Joined sports desk as sub editor. Nightly deadlines and late nights but worked with some great journalists. -
Irish Daily Mail, Dublin
After the Independent closed its subbing department I crossed the Liffey to join the Daily Mail. Small group of sports journalists creating a really tight package. -
Fast Forward Accelerated Learning Centre, Clonakilty
Moved down to Cork to set up a childcare centre with my wife. Took it from plans to completion. Steep learning curve and different skills required from anything else I've ever done. Running a business is hard work. -
Irish Examiner, Cork
After a break from journalism to start up my business I returned to newspapers at the Examiner. Another national newspaper, I joined the sports desk as a sub editor. Increased my skill set with use of live blogging and via social media. As acting chief sub I have responsibility for getting the sports section right, attractive and out on time. Also responsible for 18-page weekly Premier League supplement. This is my current job. -
Back to school
Took online course at Poynter News University to increase my knowledge of social media and how best to use it to engage an audience. They are skills I continue to work on today.
