James Mossop

Have you ever worked in a profession other than journalism?
For three months after Barrow Grammar School and before joining the North West Evening Mail I was a labourer working shifts close to the furnaces at the steelworks. Tough is not the word.

What was your finest achievement playing football?
Must confesss to an absence of glory with Holker Old Boys. Signed amateur forms for Barrow AFC (mainly because I was the young travelling reporter with the Reserves and they feared trialists might not turn up) but never got a game.

Have you ever been mistaken for anyone else?
Richard Nixon, frequently. An American on his golf buggy pulled up alongside me and said: "I thought I had seen the ghost of Richard Nixon." Some of my old hack friends used to call me Millhouse (his middle name).

Most media friendly manager?
Most of my work was done before the blight of Press Officers. Pitching up at training grounds I was always welcomed by the likes of Allison, Mercer, Revie, Shankly, Charlton [Jack], Atkinson, Graham, Pleat and so on. I also had rows with them but always met them face-to-face for clear-the-air moments. I have a strong relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson but we once had a major fall out.

Best ever player?
Has to be George Best, although I have been lifted high by Pele, Law, Bobby Charlton, Maradona.

Best pre-match grub?
Usually an interesting selection at Newcastle.

Best meal on travels?
The late Bobby Keetch once ordered peacocks’ tongues for me in Paris. At least he said that's what they were. As a foodie I have always sought out starred/rosetted restaurants. Great steaks in Beunos Aires. Best restaurant in UK: L'Encume in Cartmel, Cumbria.

...and the worst?
Bulgogi and kimchi* in Seoul. I can taste and smell it now.

Favourite football writer?
Henry Winter.

Favourite radio/TV commentator?
Rob Hawthorne.

One sporting event outside football you would love to experience?
Bog-snorkelling. After all I have covered World Cups, Olympic Games, golf majors, tennis, F1, boxing, horse-racing, Rugby (both codes), cricket and even the World Curling Championships.

Your most prized football memorabilia?
I have an official 1978 World Cup football signed by Pele.

Advice to any would-be football writer?
Build relationships, have a sense of purpose, don't strive too hard with the words, let them flow. Take the job seriously, but not yourself.

James Mossop now has his feet up after 50 years in Fleet Street with the Sunday Express and the Sunday Telegraph. He was made a life member of the Football Writers’ Association at the Footballer of the Year dinner in 2012.