Former Ipswich and Rotherham forward Alan Lee talks us through his football memories
First match? I went to watch a Liverpool game when I was about 13. Our club brought us across from Ireland on a trip. I cannot remember who Liverpool played, but I just remember it being a completely alien experience for someone from the countryside in Ireland. It was the first time I had been outside Ireland. What stood out was that I had never seen so many people in one place and the atmosphere was amazing. First hero? Bryan Robson at Manchester United. He was just an allaction player, and the hero status he had made me idolise him. He wasn’t the perfect player, but he was tough, came up trumps when it mattered and relished adversity. First boots? They were a pair of Adidas Copa boots that were in black. They had white stripes, and were moulds. I was around three or four. I didn’t quite cut it at that age, but I went back a year later and never stopped playing. First kit? I remember my dad working in London. In Ireland, you could only seem to get a Manchester United, Liverpool or Celtic kit – that was it. There was nothing else, but my dad came back and had bought an Inter Milan kit from Lilywhites in London. Nobody had anything like this in Ireland, so it was worn morning, noon and night. It was the customary dark blue and black stripes and was a rarity for sure. We couldn’t get a lot of football on TV in Ireland but did manage to watch S4C. You could get Italian games with Welsh commentary. It was not ideal, but I loved watching Inter. First game? It was for Torquay against Barnet (in November 1998) and it was away. I came on in the second half. We lost 3-1 but that was my first senior appearance. I didn’t know what to expect. I knew I wouldn’t be starting. I think I had only been there a day or two and we travelled on the day. I remember there was a smoking section on the bus, which was ridiculous. It was a real old-school experience but wonderful at the same time. I didn’t play too many games there, but it was a great experience. First goal? Again, I was playing for Torquay. It was against Exeter (in December 1998). It was in the second half. I ran through with the ball. I was running at the defence and moved it on to my left foot. I didn’t get a great connection, but somehow it went in. That was my first real experience of getting a big goal. I didn’t know what to do or how to celebrate. There was a wave of emotion at coming to terms with scoring my first goal. It really mattered, as well, because it was an equaliser and it was against Exeter in a local derby. It was really hard to concentrate afterwards because you’re walking on air. It’s something money cannot buy and just a wonderful experience to score a goal. First red card? It was two yellow cards for Torquay against Brighton (in January 1999). I can’t remember too much about it. It was a couple of silly fouls, I think. I know one thing for sure: my mother would have given me a lecture. That’s what used to happen. Whether I was rightly or wrongly sent off, she would have a go. They were certainly an eventful few matches for Torquay.