Graham Dene writes:  (Pic: Graham with Chelsea and England legend John Hollins)

I was a wide-eyed four-year-old when my dad took me to Chelsea. As a North Londoner, perhaps it should have been Arsenal or Spurs - but dad had a Chelsea season ticket and I’m told I spent most of the match tipping the seats up and down.

I loved playing football at my junior school but then ended up being dispatched to a rugby-playing school – a sport ill-suited to my build and it wasn't for me. Years later, I was lucky enough to go to the 1966 World Cup Final and I still have the programme. I don't think I realised quite what a place in history that day would have. I also happened to be on holiday in Mexico at the time of the 1986 World Cup, the year of Maradona's ‘hand of God’ and again went to the final. 

During my time at Capital Radio in London in the mid ‘70s and 80's, I was playing in various ‘showbiz’ charity events and teamed up frequently with David Hamilton. He was at the BBC, but we became long-time friends on and off the field.

One memorable charity game was against the ’66 World Cup-winning side - held at the old White City stadium which hosted one of the '66 World Cup matches. There I was, running down the right wing, with Jackie Charlton up against an unfit me. As I reached him, he took obvious pity on me and discretely called out: "go on, son, just run past me". Despite his attempted generosity, I still failed miserably! My footballing days came to an end at Barnet FC when I suffered a cruciate ligament injury, carried off the pitch by their manager Barry Fry! 

I also played cricket for the Bunburys, established by the late David English. They do so much good work with Under-15s, many of whom go on to great things. When David died the England team wore black armbands. I played for their charity side which included many big names such as Rory Bremner, Gary Lineker; and I can still picture Bill Wyman in the slips with a fag in his mouth. 

My dad always tried to persuade me to play golf. He'd go off and play every Sunday and I remember thinking it rather odd seeing him practice his putting on the carpet at home.

Ironically, following his death, we went on holiday to Florida and my golfing friend suggested going to a nearby course and that was my first taste of the sport. My wife Julie kindly bought me some lessons back home and I've been playing ever since. I only found out when I sold my first set of clubs that they were made for ladies!

Have I got any better since the mid 90's? No, quite the opposite but I do practice putting on the carpet at home!

Graham