QPR midfielder Josh Scowen talks us through his football memories
First match? It was West Ham against Newcastle. We were 1-0 down and we left before the end after West Ham had equalised, but they ended up winning 2-1. It was in April 2000. It was a dream to go and watch football live. When my dad, David, said he had tickets, it was an incredible feeling. Going to Upton Park was always special. The atmosphere there was amazing whenever I went. I hadn’t experienced it before. First hero? David Beckham. I always used to love watching him play. Everyone loved him, but I remember getting my haircut like him. I had the mohawk! I think a lot of other kids had it. The way he played football, he made it look so easy. He played on the wing and everyone said you needed pace to play there. He wasn’t really fast, but his delivery was on the money every time – he was a true legend. I always practised free-kicks like him. First boots? It was a pair of Adidas Predators with the big tongue on them. They were one of the most comfortable pairs of boots I’ve ever worn. I wore them as long as I could. Again, it’s a bit of a David Beckham copy, I think! First kit? I had a West Ham shirt and I had number 26 on the back, with Joe Cole’s name. He was my favourite West Ham player. He was amazing at the time. I loved wearing that shirt. I’d have it on all the time. First appearance? It was at Wycombe and we were playing Morecambe away in 2011. We were 3-0 up and the gaffer at the time, Gary Waddock, called on me with about three minutes to go. I know I didn’t get very long, but I genuinely remember it like it was yesterday – it was a great feeling. I was 17 and I didn’t expect to be in the squad, so the experience of just being around the senior players was great. When the manager said I was going on, I was pretty shocked. I just ran around but didn’t do an awful lot. It was still a great experience and one I’ll never forget. First goal? It was for Wycombe against Torquay and it ended up being the winning goal, which was quite nice. It was in 2012 and I just remember getting on the end of a Dean Morgan cross and it managed to finish up in the net. The emotions were incredible – it’s such an amazing feeling. I didn’t have a celebration. I just ran around, really. I wanted to celebrate with my family, but I was on a yellow card and, luckily, I remembered that otherwise it would’ve been my first goal and first red in the same game. I’ve scored a few headers since, which I’m surprised about. First red card? I was playing for Wycombe against Scunthorpe at home – it was in 2013. I got two bookings in quick succession in the second half. They were for two silly tackles, really. I was late for the first and reckless for the second. I felt pretty bad afterwards, as you would expect. I think we managed to draw the game in the end, so I was a bit relieved. I’ve only had two since, so it’s not too bad.