Andrew Clarke

The first big game I covered was England's 5-1 win against Germany in Munich back in 2001. I remember talking to the players afterwards in a state of euphoria and thinking I'd really arrived and that a long career of such moments lay ahead. What I should have done of course was resign and get a proper job as following England would never be that good again! I glad I didn't though and I've been lucky enough since to follow the team at major tournaments as well as cover the premier league and domestic and european finals for radio and TV. Following football's a wierd and wonderful existence at all levels. My hometown team Chester went under at the end of last season and then the national team did the same in South Africa but fans will never walk away from the game. It brings to mind a great quote from John Cleese in the film Clockwise when he finds himself well and truly up the creek;

'It's not the despair, I can take the despair. It's the hope I can't stand.'

We can all relate to that!

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