Coulda been a contender

I recently met a prospective vendor for lunch; I admired the products, liked the margins, was keen on the support - and the goats' cheese soufflé was top notch. But the deal-breaker was hearing about one executive's all-too-brief career as an attacking midfielder.

I can't help it, Dear Reader; as a lifelong fanatic with two left feet, I get all star-struck when I meet someone with serious football credentials.

This chap was a rising star in the youth setup of his home country's most decorated club before an injury sustained during a stint in the army curtailed his sporting ambitions.

I didn't ask, but I'm quite sure rolling out a new channel programme is every bit as thrilling as lifting the league title with your hometown club. Ahem.