ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

During his interview, Steve reflects on his thirty years with the Humberside Police force. Not knowing quite what he wanted to do for a career when he left school, he tried a few things. One of which was being a shoe salesman at Hammonds, one of Hull's large department stores. He tried to get into the police force but was initially rejected and told to come back when he had some 'life experience' something which he duly did.

He joined the force in the mid 1970s as a bobby patrolling the city centre streets on foot. He says things were much quieter than they are now and throughout his career he saw major changes in how the force operated in terms of the resources available and also how the expectation of members of the public changed.

In his career he dealt with many of the major incidents which have taken place in the force's history. He was used to dealing with the press, tv, radio and newspapers who are always looking for the latest details on events. Steve was the face and voice of the force on many occasions. It was his press connection that has led him to take on the role of dealing with press for the Hull Boys Sunday League, something he's proud to be associated with.

Steve's father Terry was a school athlete who represented his school in the high jump and played football for his school and also played for the Hull City Juniors. He continued to play as a young man. The main picture is of the team Terry played in during his schooldays, it was the Woodmansey and Dunswell team . The picture features an old leather football and trophy and shows the type of football boots typical of the time. Steve admits he was no great athlete as a youngster but when his son started playing youth football at the age of ten in Cottingham, going along on a Sunday to watch and cheer his son on sparked his interest.

After awhile he was approached by another parent and former player, Neil Jordan, who suggested Steve join the League committee as Steve was already involved with its administration. He's been on the committee since 2000 and recently became the Director of the East Riding County F.A. and he's a passionate supporter of the Hull Boys' Sunday League.

The League is coming up on its 50th season in September 2008 and to celebrate the League is planning a tournament. Steve wouldn't be drawn on the details, but he's hoping it'll be something quite special. During its history the League has seen many young players come through and turn professional.

This picture is of the late John Martin, President of the HBSFL who died in December 2007. He was one of those who had the β€˜vision’ in the early days and assisted in the pioneering which led to what we have today.

Things have changed since the late 1950s and there seems to be more parental involvement and support from the sidelines. Sometimes this support can be very vocal and challenging for youngsters. Steve suggests that the high finance of today's professional game puts extra pressure on young players and parents are keen to become very competitive and the League is keen to introduce new procedures to ensure the safety of all those involved.