As we continue to explore some of the best responses from the Matchday Programme this year, the second instalment of Insider Sport’s feature revisits memorable insights from sports industry leaders on the figures, tournaments and events that left the biggest impression.
Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities?
Unsurprisingly, Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager, was a standout response to this question and received praise even from those he had caused the most heartache during his legendary career.
It’s always refreshing to see rivalries set aside when acknowledging the achievements and leadership of sports’ greatest figures. One such individual who reluctantly mentioned the Scotsman was Arsenal fan Jai Maw, Co-Founder and President of Betting Hero.
Maw said: “Controversially, I think the greatest Manager to ever live was the one that caused me the most heartbreak, Sir Alex Ferguson. A relentless winner that stopped at nothing to achieve success.
“However, an honourable mention to the man that made me fall in love with football, and Arsenal in particular though, Arsene Wenger.”
What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this league stood out to you the most in recent memory?
The summer of 2024 was one of the most action-packed in recent memory for sports fans, with major events like the Copa America, the EUROs, the Olympics and the Paralympics taking centre stage.
Among these major tournaments that take place only once every few years, there is one annual competition, despite recent format changes, that continues to captivate the hearts of football fans across the UK: the FA Cup.
This was the case for Neil Rowe, Head of Commerical at Cambridge United Football Club, who said: “I love nothing more than seeing a European Superstar run out at a local park on a cold January day. I love the draw. The BBC cameras broadcasting from some clubhouse. It’s real and nothing compares to it.
“My hometown of Hastings played Middlesborough in the Third Round of the FA Cup in 2013. Bradley Goldberg scored a goal from outside the box. We lost 4-1 but it was incredible to be chanting “Hastings” in a Premier League stadium. I was there with 1067 other fans. If only it was 1066. That still bothers me!”
If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why?
Many England football fans, who have come agonisingly close to winning a major trophy in recent years, used this question as an opportunity to travel back to 1966, hoping to relive the country’s one and only World Cup victory.
Jake Ashton, Senior News Editor at OLBG, was one of those interviewees who shared this sentiment.
He said: “The 1966 World Cup Final. It’s the iconic match in English football history, isn’t it? Imagine something like that happening now. The country would come to a standstill. I hope we see it soon.”
If you could go out for dinner with any sporting figure, current or historical, who would it be and what would you want to learn from them?
This final question sparked some of the most diverse responses, ranging from F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo to bodybuilder-turned-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, highlighting the vast array of fascinating figures the sports world has to offer.
However, offering a surprising twist and delving into sports history, Jonathan Strause, CEO of Invincible GG, chose to dine with Jim Valvano.
Strause said: “I would love to hear what he did behind the scenes to get his team to come together and win the 1983 National Championship. I was in high school and raised to hate NC State, but that was the most exciting game I witnessed to that point in my life.
“He had no business winning the ACC Championship and much less the national championship, but they pulled the impossible off. Plus, I have always admired how he handled real adversity with the ultimate consequences with such strength, courage, selflessness and grace. There is a lot to learn there.”
Readers can explore all editions of the Matchday Programme on the Insider Sport website. If you feel inspired and would like to contribute your own experiences, you can reach out via email at [email protected] to share your insights.
