Insider Sport’s Matchday Programme offers a personal look at what sporting moments and figures have inspired industry stakeholders. Through candid reflections, the programme delves into the stories behind the inspirations that have shaped their perspectives and fuelled their passion for sports.

In this edition, Matthew Disley, Commercial Director at Sutton United, reflects on the player who inspired his passion for football: Steven Gerrard. Watching Gerrard’s resilience during the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul left a lasting impression, as he dragged Liverpool from the brink of defeat to an unforgettable victory.

Headshot of Matthew Disley, Commercial Director of Sutton United Football Club.
Matthew Disley, Commercial Director of Sutton United Football Club

Which athlete do you think demonstrated the best winning mentality throughout their career?

I mean where do I begin with this one? There are a couple of names that immediately stand out, but I think Michael Jordan probably tops the list. The way he was obsessed with winning, to the point his teammates hated him; it was either his way or the highway. And of course, he achieved a long list of incredible accomplishments throughout his career, catapulting the NBA to popularity across the world and securing his status as a global cultural icon.

Who was your childhood sports hero and why? Which of their sporting achievements had the biggest impact on you? 

It’s got to be Steven Gerrard. As a kid growing up, it was all about his performances, he was able to do everything. He could make a 60-yard diagonal pass, score a screamer or make a crunching tackle. 

The highlight of his sporting achievement naturally was that famous night in Istanbul in 2005. It was an unbelievable game; he picked up his teammates and dragged them by the scruff of the neck to get back into the game and then on to victory. A true show of resilience and that never-say-die attitude.

What sports team do you follow the closest? Is this a family team or local side etc, and what has been the biggest moment in your history of supporting this club? 

This is tricky because when you work in football, the club you work for is usually the one you follow the most. However, I’ll go with my hometown club, Grimsby Town. The biggest moment was while I was working for the club as well, it’s from the 2022-23 season when they became the first team in FA Cup history to beat five teams from higher divisions. They made it all the way to the quarterfinals before losing to Brighton, which of course, there is no shame in. 

Is there a team manager from any sport, whether that be football, rugby, NFL, NBA etc, who you think demonstrated the best leadership qualities? 

It has to be Jurgen Klopp. Not only is he brilliant from a tactical standpoint but his man-management skills are unrivalled. The way he connects with his players and the empathy he shows for their struggles; is what makes him stand out as a great leader. 

He’s able to create a positive culture, with high standards making sure everyone is on board and striving to pursue excellence. As a leader, he trusts his players and makes them feel empowered, even if they make mistakes. I could honestly go on and on about how much of a great leader he is. 

What sports tournament do you think consistently provides the biggest thrills? Which moment from this competition stood out to you the most in recent memory?

I mean, it’s got to be the FA Cup right? It’s seen some huge upsets over the years, it’s what it’s known for, and the entire history of the competition is littered with David vs Goliath stories. Sutton United beating First Division side Coventry City all the back way in 1989 being one and more recently the likes of Stevenage beating Aston Villa in 2023 at Villa Park.

If you could travel back in time to any historic sporting moment to watch it then and now, which would it be and why? 

What a great/tricky question, there are so many good moments to choose from. I think I’ll go for the 1966 World Cup Final. Having seen the Men’s England Team go so close over the last couple of tournaments, it would be great to go back to the game when they managed to get over the line.

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? 

Going back to the Basketball theme, I think it would be Lebron James. He has broken record after record and continues to do so at 40 years of age. I’d be really interested to know how he’s managed to keep performing at the highest level for such a long time, both mentally and physically. As well as how the Lakers have helped him achieve such incredible longevity.

To read the last edition of the Matchday Programme, featuring Helen Ward, Head of Women’s Football at Watford FC, who highlighted Jessica Ennis-Hill, as a champion athlete and as an inspiring mother, click HERE.

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