Jon Kirby
Born and bred in the North East, a native of Darlington and a man who likes a bit of footy. I got the footballing bug as a nipper during the Newcastle FA Cup campaign that got them to Wembley in 74. Supermac was the hero we all wanted to be as we kicked the ball around the local playing field as kids, but heartbreak came quickly in the final against Liverpool. Surrounded by a family of Sunderland supporters and with a vague memory of my Dads delight on his return from Wembley 73 where he saw his beloved Sunderland's slay Leeds I became one of those rarest of breeds, a man who supports both Newcastle AND Sunderland. Years ago, that's what people did up here, but times have changed and these days people can't get their heads round it. To make matters worse I have a soft spot for the Boro too having worked in Radio in Teesside for 5 years.
My playing career isn't noteworthy at all, school team, pub team, works teams, 5 a side, usual lads stuff. But, always lacking pace I like to think of myself as handy from a set piece and fulfilled an ambition earlier this year when I took a corner that was nodded in at the back post to win the game for Real Radio at the hallowed turf that is............. St James Park. What a buzz.
Behind the scenes I work on the Legends show, and with our commentary teams, and though it may sound like a cliché, it's a dream job. Supermac, Bernie, Mickey, Pete, Bob, Coops and Gary are all wonderful to work and I'm chuffed to be able to hook up with true North East Legends live from the ground straight after the matches on Real Radio to host the North East Football Phone In. What could be better?
A bit about Jon...
What have you done on-air that you are most proud of?
It doesn't get much better than hosting a show with footballing Legends like Bob Moncur and Gary Rowell.
What is your most embarrassing on-air moment?
After a post match interview with Roy Keane, I had to go live to St James Park to talk to Newcastle boss "Roy Kinnear". Oops.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
In Pink Floyd.
What are you most scared of?
Bats, had one in my house recently, also scared of heights, but being a supporter of North East teams, that fear seldom troubles me.
What else do you do apart from presenting The North East football phone-in for Real Radio?
I present the afternoon show on Rock Radio across the North East and I'm part of the Real Programming team.
When you tell people that you are on-air, what reaction do you get?
What team do you support ? And, can you get me match tickets ?
How do you like spending your days off?
Golf, movies, making music, pottering about at home........... and other things.
I would be most starstruck if I met...
Pamela Anderson, Abi Titmuss or Jennifer Anniston, all for obvious reasons.
What is the toughest thing you have been asked to do as part of your job?
Even when its tough, I don't think of it as tough as its always exciting.
What was your nickname at school and why?
As, if im going to breathe life into THAT again. Next question.............
Who's your favourite sport reporter/presenter and why?
That would be like choosing a favourite child. I love all our guys. Outside of Real I have massive respect for Stelling and of course Motty.
Motty has been the voice of football throughout my life.
