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, James Voisey, Head of Commercial at Millwall Football Club, reflects on the sports figures and moments that shaped his passion for the game. From Roy Keane’s relentless winning mentality to Alessandro Del Piero’s elegance on the pitch, Voisey draws inspiration from athletes who demonstrated both grit and grace.

 James Voisey, Head of Commercial at Millwall Football Club.
James Voisey, Head of Commercial at Millwall Football Club

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

For me, Roy Keane comes to mind instantly. His desire and passion were so obvious as well as his selflessness for the team. The way he didn’t let his yellow card and suspension from the Champions League final in ’99 impact his performance in the semi-final v Juventus and directly contributed to the result by scoring showed he always put the team above himself. 

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

This one’s a bit left field, but I was obsessed with Gazzetta Football Italia in the mid-to-late 90s. Alessandro Del Piero was one that stood out for me, amongst that Juventus team. 

I loved how elegantly and effortlessly he played the game, and his nearly 20-year service and all-time appearance holder showed his commitment and love for the ‘Old Lady’. 

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?

I’m a big Plymouth Argyle fan and had the privilege of working there for a number of years. My Dad’s side of the family is from Plymouth so we always had a connection and loved attending games when we were growing up. 

We’ve had some great days but Peter Hartley’s extra time winner v Pompey in the 2016 play-off semi-final to take us to Wembley will live long in my personal memory. Surviving administration, nearly dropping out of the Football League and returning to the Championship is a pretty remarkable turnaround though!

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

I think Sir Alex Ferguson will always be up there for what he achieved in Manchester and the legacy that he has left on world football. 

Also, what Sir Dave Brailsford has achieved and done for cycling, both in this country and worldwide, is also incredibly remarkable. 

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?

I think the EFL Championship and the play-offs will always be up there for entertainment value and thrills. 

Troy Deeney’s goal for Watford v Leicester and Klich’s goal for Leeds that led to Marcelo Bielsa letting Aston Villa jog through and equalise, are just two memories that encapsulate this. 

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

It has to be when England won the World Cup in 1966. Being amongst the 96,000 and being there for it, where we might not see it in our lifetime would have been so special. 

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?

The late, great Sir Bobby Robson would have been fantastic company to have dinner with. His kindness, knowledge and stories would have been hugely interesting to listen to over a few hours!

To read the last edition of the Matchday Programme, featuring Matthew Disley, Commercial Director at Sutton United, who reflected on Steven Gerrard’s resilience and mindset, click HERE.

Previous articleLive sports contributes to record new subscribers on Netflix
Next articleManchester United sponsor fights health injustice with logo swap