Former Swindon and Cheltenham midfielder Michael Pook talks us through his football memories
First game you watched live? My dad was always a keen Swindon fan, so I used to go along with him. I can’t remember exactly what game but it would have been a few seasons before we got promoted to the Premier League (in 1993-94). We used to travel all over the country to watch games because all my youth matches were on a Sunday, so it was great to watch Swindon home and away. You spend all your life looking up to the Swindon players and then to play for them was really special. I joined the youth team there at eight-years-old and to go up the ranks and play a handful of games for the first team was really cool. I couldn’t have asked for anything better than to play for my hometown club.
First football hero? I grew up watching Swindon Town and the best year as a Swindon fan was watching them get promoted to the Premier League. My hero was always Glenn Hoddle and he always lit the place up when he played. That whole Swindon team that went through the play-off final was probably the best set of players we’ve had. First football boots? Unfortunately, I don’t have a clue, but I used to always wear Adidas, so I am sure that they would have been a pair of them. My boots were always cream-coloured, though.
First kit? It was probably an Arsenal kit because I liked them, too. I used to have all my bedroom decked out with an Arsenal wallpaper and bedspread. I am pretty sure it would have been an Arsenal kit but it definitely doesn’t fit now – that’s for sure!
First professional game? My first game was for Swindon against Boston United away in the EFL Trophy (in 2003). We lost the game but it was pretty cool to get your first start. I was about 18-years-old and I was still in college, so I had to get permission to go away and play on a Tuesday night. I got told the day before that I was playing – you let everyone know that you’re going to be in the game and you hope that you do well. Not many people get the chance to play at that level and you hope that it’s not going to be the last time.
First professional goal? My first goal as a professional was against Wycombe at the County Ground in the League Cup, which was cool. It was pretty special, and I remember it being a fairly good goal – without sounding big-headed – from outside the box. I had a load of my family there that night, so it was great to score in front of all your friends and family.
First red card? I’ve always been proud of never being sent off and I’ve never been suspended for five yellows but a month ago for Cirencester Town, I got a straight red. I lost my record there and I felt a bit unlucky. I felt the referee should have given me a bit of leniency.