Simon - a profile We have dragged Simon kicking and screaming off the courts and put some deep and searching questions to him...
Hi Simon.
Hi.
When did you first play Tennis ?
I first played mini tennis, aged 8
What was the name of the first School you attended ?
High Meadow, Coleshill
Who was the best teacher ?
Miss Kaye, as far as I can remember
Why, was she a particularly good teacher ?
No, she gave me chocolate biscuits
Is Tennis the only sport you have played?
No. I've also played football and done a fair bit of athletics and swimming. I played football for Birmingham City Youth and Birmingham District. I swam for Birmingham City Swimming Club.
What did you like about Tennis ?
I enjoyed competing as an individual - it was down to you, basically.
How did you become a tennis coach ?
I was asked to train with the Bucks County squad and became a county hitter; it went on from there. I then coached Bucks County and National players at university. The opportunity then arose to become Head Coach at Thame.
What's your favourite food ?
Steak & chips washed down with a nice Leffé
..and your favourite football team ?
Teams actually - Liverpool and Birmingham - Liverpool when they play each other, so I suppose it's Liverpool. Man Utd & Villa share last place in my list.
Tim Henman or Andy Murray ?
Oh, Tim Henman.
What do you like about Tim Henman ?
He is an excellent competitor and very good at the net
Who do you play tennis for ?
I play county tennis for Buckinghamshire and team tennis for Gerrards X and Thame
What do you like most about coaching ?
The millions of pounds it brings in and the many houses on the French Riviera; seriously, seeing success and improvement in those I coach gives me alot of satisfaction.
What is your pet hate ?
Kids who don't try - you can't progress or improve if you don't try
Who was the biggest influence on your early sporting career ?
Close to home, my parents. Also André Agassi (tennis), Roberto Baggio and Gazza (football)
Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard ?
Steven Gerrard of course
Roger Federer or Andy Roddick ?
Easy that one, Andy Roddick
Why Andy Roddick ?
Andy Roddick plays with his heart on his sleeve, shows his emotions and is genrally more exciting to watch.
What is your most memorable tennis moment ?
Mmmm, that's dificult - my first singles titles at Edgbaston - Boys Under 14
Favourite sporting moment in general ?
Undoubtedly, Liverpool winning the Champions League 2005; also watching my first Davis Cup match at NIA Birmingham - GB v USA (Todd Martin, Jim Courier were playing for the USA)
Who is your sporting hero ?
André Agassi
What is your favourite film ?
Gladiator and Dumb & Dumber.
>What is your favourite music ?
Oasis
>What is your favourite car ?
Ferrari - any type - in my garage with me in it
What was your favourite holiday ?
Ibiza, 1995 - very hot and sunny and the sea was very cool.
Thanks Simon, that wasn't too hard was it ?
You're kidding - I need to lie down before the next coaching session.