football firsts
Ex-Brentford and Ipswich midfielder Jay Tabb talks us through his football memories
First game I remember watching Chelsea against Tranmere in the League Cup – or Rumbelows Cup, as it was known then – in 1991. Andy Townsend and Dave Beasant were playing for Chelsea, so it was quite a long time ago. I went with my dad and he told me we were going somewhere else but we ended up going to the match, so that was nice. It’s so different compared to what it’s like now. First hero Dennis Wise. He was my first footballing hero. I’m a big Chelsea fan and he was someone I used to idolise. He’s small, like me, and I would fashion myself on him. He’s a player I looked up to the most. I liked Gianfranco Zola as well because of his class but Wise was at Chelsea before him, so he was number one. I once met Dennis and got his autograph, so that was quite nice. First boots I think they were Reeboks. I can’t remember the exact name but they were promoted by Ryan Giggs – that’s all I can remember. They were black, red and white but I’m not sure of the exact name. I loved them. I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread at the time. First match It was for Brentford against Luton in League One (in May 2001). I had just turned 17 and I was told I was going to be playing on the day of the game, it was crazy. We were 2-0 down but managed to pull it back to 2-2, which was a great feeling. There were only a few games left in the season and I had done quite well in the youth team, so I think it was a bit of a reward for doing well. I was over the moon and told my family and friends to come and watch. It meant so much and I didn’t expect it. I remember being in the tunnel before the game almost in tears at being so nervous but also excited at the same time. First goal My first goal was against Barnet away in the Football League Trophy, or as it was known then, the LDV Vans Trophy, in 2003. I actually scored two in that game and we managed to win on penalties after that. The first one was from a corner – the ball was headed out to the edge of the box and I hit it on the halfvolley, left-footed into the bottom corner. It was actually a pretty sweet hit. The second was an equaliser. I found myself one-onone with the keeper and managed to squeeze it in. First red card I had a couple in the youth team but as a professional, my first and only red card was for Reading in the play-off final against Swansea in 2011. I was actually a substitute and I got sent off at half-time in the tunnel for having a go at the ref. We were 3-0 down at the break. Our assistant manager Nigel Gibbs was trying to have a word with Phil Dowd but he started having a pop at Nigel, so I butted in with my thoughts. They weren’t too polite so he decided to send me off – not the highlight of my career.