Chris Cooper
What is your most embarrassing on-air moment?
Using an unfortunate phrase in a commentary about a former Arsenal and England goalkeeper being all over the place and the defence in a horrible mess. Think about it!
When you were a child - what did you want to be when you grew up?
A footballer or cricketer, but knowing I wouldn't make it I set my sights on becoming a stock-car driving solicitor before I saw sense and set my heart on being a sports commentator. I got an A+ in an essay about it at the age of 14!
What are you most scared of?
Lunatic drivers
What else do you do apart from commentating on Sunderland for Real Radio?
I do a fair bit of presenting and writing for Sky's internet horse-racing service, Sportslive. I also do some commentaries for overseas TV, and recently did the commentary for the FIFA 09 TV commercial. Sunderland commentaries are the priority though, and anything else is worked around them.
When you tell people that you are a commentator, what reaction do you get?
"I spose you get in free, and do you need someone to carry your bags"
How do you like spending your days off?
Explain the concept of a day off please.
Tell us about someone notable you have interviewed.
One of my all time sports heroes is Ian Botham, who I've interviewed about pantomimes, his charity work and cricket. Absolutely top bloke, who's an inspiration. When I worked at Real in the north West I used to interview Fergie every week, and found him to be an absolute gent, even when answering awkward questions. I also covered England games for a coupe of years, so was regularly interviewing Sven, Beckham et al.
I would be most starstruck if I met...
No idea!
What is the toughest thing you have been asked to do as part of your job?
Have my head chopped off at a roadshow in Cornwall. I kid you not. It was a real axe and a real chopping bloke, and I was absolutely cacking it as I didn't know what the trick was. Turned out they just pulled me away at the last second. One sneeze though and it could have been very messy. The programme controller thought it was really good for the large crowd, but I'm not sure how it came across on air!
Have you ever been recognised in public?
Yes
What was your nickname at school and why?
Coops. Never been able to work that one out!
Who's your favourite sport reporter/presenter/commentator and why?
I like John Motson's enthusiasm, as he makes every game sound like an event. Of the newer commentators on TV, Guy Mowbray and Bill Leslie.
