Meet the Player, Meet the Man: Gooner Ian

In the 4th in our ever-popular series “Meet the Player, Meet the Man”, we are proud to present the Father of FAFI, lifetime Gooner (despite being born into a proper United supporting family), funny guy, confirmed bachelor and all-round nice guy.

Name: Ian

Nickname: Too many – it depends what people call me on the day of the game, which in turn depends on what kind of game I’m having (Editor’s note: I don’t think there can be any dispute about this one – “Gooner” seems to capture him perfectly).

Highest level of football played: University level

Which Football team do you support: The Arsenal; supported since the FA Cup final in 1979

The most memorable moment supporting your team: Does anything get better than Anfield ’89? (Editor’s note: You mean this Anfield ’89? The goals start at around 1:20 into the video)

Favourite non-FAFI player: My brother Keith “Vieira” dV – who should really be playing the game but was forced into retirement by injury – we need more midfield enforcers

Who do you imagine yourself to be on a good day: Dennis Bergkamp

Who do you imagine yourself to be on a bad day: Any Tottering Hotspurs player

How do you celebrate scoring a goal: Giving thanks to God

Best goal you’ve scored during a FAFI game: A neat finish into the corner of the goal following a flowing move, in which everyone in the team had a touch, at the inaugural game at The Premier Pitch on 28 July 2008 – I remember this particularly because Tom remarked at the time: “I would pay money to watch this stuff”

Worst miss seen in a FAFI sanctioned game: Tom, help me out here ….oh, you mean me? Well, I think I wrong-footed myself and missed an open goal from 2 yards out at The Cage on 1 October 2008

Funniest thing you’ve seen on a football pitch: Dennis

Which position would the manager of your favourite team play you? In the “hole” behind the strikers – that didn’t come out right, did it?

When did you realise that you weren’t good enough to play for your favourite team: Still haven’t realized it yet

Your favourite football-related book: Addicted (when I actually get round to reading it). (Editor’s note: I’m surprised Ian didn’t mention Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch,which reads as if it’s his and Keith’s autobiography!)

Your weirdest football-related dream: I don’t dream about football, ever

Your motto on the pitch: Beware – Tom and Rajiv watch, remember and record EVERYTHING