football firsts
Colchester United forward Frank Nouble talks us through his football memories
First game you watched live? I never went to games as a kid because it wasn’t something that my parents could afford to do. The first one I went to was at Chelsea as a ball-boy – I can’t remember who it was against though. I would’ve been about 12 or 13. One game that stands out as a ball boy was when Chelsea played Barcelona in the Champions League and Ronaldinho scored that dink. It was amazing to be so close to that moment. First football hero? The original Ronaldo! It was just because of the goals he scored – I still watch clips of him today. For me he’s the greatest attacking player of all-time. I was always pretending to be him in the playground and at training when I was younger. First football boots? My first pair of football boots were Nike – I’ve never ever worn Adidas in my life. I think they were Vapors – the ones that I liked were gold, because those were the boots that Ronaldo wore. First kit? It was a Man United shirt with David Beckham on the back. I think it was the season before they won the Champions League (in 1999). I supported Man United growing up – they were the best team and I’ve just kept that up since then. I was a big fan of Beckham as well – a young English player coming through the youth system. That was an inspiration for me. First professional game? My first start was for West Ham against Arsenal in the FA Cup. I was 17 and I was playing up front against William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen – I swapped shirts with them afterwards. I can remember just being at home in front of the TV, then two hours later I was playing against Arsenal. It was definitely a special moment for me and my family. We were winning 1-0 but then they brought the big guns on – Jack Wilshere came on, I think Cesc Fabregas came on. They turned it round to 2-1 eventually but it was an incredible experience for me. First professional goal? It would have been at Gillingham – my debut actually – against Hereford. I think we won 5-0. I had scored a lot of goals at youth level, but it was a completely different feeling at senior level. First red card? I’ve never had a red card in my life. I’ve had yellows, but never been sent off, never seen the red mist descend – not yet at least! Fingers crossed, it will never happen.