Barnet midfielder Ryan Watson talks us through his football memories
First footballing hero? The first one for me was David Beckham. He was at his best when I was a kid. But I think it mainly has to do with the boots he wore at the time. I used to love the Adidas Predators he played in. First pair of boots? Adidas Predators, obviously! I can’t remember not wearing them when I was younger. For some reason, I always used to play well with them. I’ve had to change now because they’ve stopped making them, so I’ve switched over to Nike and they’ve been good for me so far. First live game? Though I can’t remember which one, it must have been a Tranmere game. My dad’s a big Tranmere fan and, when I was a kid, I used to go quite a lot – and still do go when I can. My family are all Liverpool, but I’ve stayed loyal to Tranmere. I’m definitely not a glory hunter! First kit? It was probably a Tranmere kit, but the one that stands out is that I had a Real Madrid shirt with Raul on the back – No.7. It was when they had their purple away strip. First professional game? I made my debut while I was still with Leicester City in the Capital One Cup, two seasons ago now. Funnily enough, a few of the other lads who now play at Barnet appeared in that game as well. We lost 1-0 to Shrewsbury. First goal? My first senior goal was for Northampton when I was on loan there, about a year ago now. We played Colchester and beat them 3-2 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. It wasn’t a bad one, either. I just picked it up on the halfway line, had a little run, got to the edge of the box and just struck it into the corner. It’s my only goal so far, but hopefully there are a few more to come. First red card? I haven’t been sent off – not yet anyway, touch wood! First position? When I younger, I used to play on the wing a lot, right wing, and then striker a little bit. I scored a fair few goals. I’m now playing in centre midfield, but I’ve still got that pace. What did you buy with your first pay packet as a footballer? It would have to have been some clothes, or possibly a pair of trainers. Being from Liverpool, everyone’s got the latest trainers on, haven’t they? I don’t think I’d ever brought Predator trainers, though! I’ve worn a few Nike Air Max.