Dagenham & Redbridge defender Nyron Nosworthy talks us through his football memories.

First game you watched live? I went to Crystal Palace v Bolton when I was about 13. I was an Arsenal fan, but they were my local club. I was playing for the district team at the time and they had a load of free tickets, so I went along. Palace won 2-1, Chris Armstrong and John Salako were playing and pulled the strings and I just remember watching those two. They were the fans’ favourites. First football hero? Ian Wright, just like every other Arsenal fan my age probably. I used to have a t-shirt with “Wrighty” on that I would wear when I played football in the park. He was Mr Arsenal, so we loved him, but I also appreciated the background he came from too and that he came into football a bit late. I think he’s a good pundit now as well. He is very honest and straight to the point when he speaks. First pair of boots? I had my dad Paul’s Puma Kings. They were about two sizes too big, but I still managed to play quite well. When he could see I

was alright he bought me a pair that actually fitted. I still remind him about that now. First kit? It was a very old Arsenal home shirt. It was handed down to me rather than brand new, but I loved it. It had number nine on the back, which I guess must have been Alan Smith. First professional game? I got subbed on and subbed off again on my debut. I was playing for Gillingham against Fulham, we won 2-1 and I came on after about ten minutes. Tony Pulis was the manager then and he took me off late in the game for tactical reasons. I had actually played quite well and he made sure I knew he was happy with me. The lad that came on for me ended up setting up the winner, so it was the right call. First professional goal? For Gillingham against Scunthorpe on a Tuesday night: it was a nice composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs. We won 4-1. I haven’t scored many in my career, but my favourite goal was actually when I scored two against Crystal Palace. We got our highest ever finish in the Championship that year, so it was good to say I played a part at both ends! First red card? I have only ever been sent off once. It was against Wolves, for Gillingham, and I was the last man at the back back. It was a professional foul, just one of those things. I knew that I had to take a chance and make the tackle, but I just caught the guy.