A Gareth Southgate story to make you feel better before the big match
People are sharing this story about Gareth Southgate because it turns out, you know, he’s a really nice bloke and all that.
And you known what they say about nice guys don’t you? STOP THAT.
Over to sports telly bloke, Jake Humphrey.
1.
Short Gareth Southgate story ahead of the biggest game of his management career tonight…
Back in 2007 I was working on Sportsround on CBBC. I spent my time interviewing all kinds of sports people, plenty of whom were footballers.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
2.
I quickly got used to being kept waiting 2-3 hours past the time the interview should happen, interviews being cancelled at the last moment, or doing interviews in nondescript rooms to keep us away from seeing training or interrupting players.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
3.
Some of the stories you wouldn’t believe!! I didn’t mind it, no worries, it was part of the job, and a kids TV show is hardly the top of everyone’s list!! However, our trip to @Boro about a decade ago couldn’t have been more different.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
4.
10 minutes after we were due to chat to Gareth he came running down the small hill from the training complex to the pitch where we were standing, apologising profusely that he got held up in a meeting. He immediately knew my name…and the name of all the crew I was working with!
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
5.
Straight away he said ‘come and meet the players’ and took us right into the centre of the training pitch, stopped the players working, and told them about us and how crucial he believed sport was on children’s TV to inspire the next generation
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
6.
We were then asked what WE wanted to do. Which players WE wanted to speak to, whether WE wanted to stick around for the whole of training. Nothing was too much trouble. At the end of training, and our filming, he was the one shaking hands, thanking us for coming, seeing us out.
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
7.
And 10 yrs later he leads his country into our biggest game in a decade. I’m so pleased a good guy is getting what he deserves, & from what I’ve seen of his press conferences, his relationship with the media, & how open his players have been, he has stayed true to his principles
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
8.
Not exactly a life-changing story, but hopefully a little life-affirming. To Gareth and every player pulling on the jersey tonight…we are a nation who believe, and nation who have your backs
GOOD LUCK!!! ⚽️— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) July 3, 2018
Nicely done, sir.
Irrespective of how far England go, great to have a manager who can be respected as a human being. Contrast with Allardyce, who still believes he should be in charge. Football needs more Southgates.
— keith smith (@keith091270) July 3, 2018
Brilliant. I've always liked Gareth Southgate, a Crawley lad who is down to earth and gets what it means to fans. Nice story, great to see a decent bloke doing well
— Keith Holmes (@Gib_Ape) July 3, 2018
I'm Scottish and obviously never happily wish England well, but I bloody love Southgate (having read he and Andy Woodman's excellent book) and would broadly tolerate England winning the thing just cos I want good things for him. Top chap.
— Tony Lloyd (@tonedepear) July 3, 2018
Steady on.