Students from the MA Sports Journalism Programme at St Mary’s University, Twickenham interviewed Chairman of the English Football Association (FA) and former Director General of the BBC Greg Dyke on January 19th.
Sports Journalism students Jack Rathborn and Ed Hutson quizzed Greg on a range of topical issues including his future at the FA. Greg revealed that his favourite Premier League player is currently Harry Kane, that he would have voted for Ronaldo in the Ballon d'Or and that George Best was the greatest player of all time.
Following the interview, Greg joined St Mary’s Senior Management Team, Programme Directors from football related degrees, the Students’ Union Sabatical Officers, and the Simmies Rangers Captain for lunch. Addressing the lunch, Greg spoke of his passion for University education, the rapid growth of sports journalism, and the importance of making football accessible to all, promising big changes before he leaves the FA.
Head of the School of Sports, Health and Applied Science Prof John Brewer said, "I am delighted that Greg, who has such a high profile in the worlds of media and sport, was able to find time within his very busy schedule, to visit St Mary's. I know that he was particularly impressed with our sports facilities and very much enjoyed meeting with a number of our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Greg also spoke with passion about the role that University sport plays in supporting both participation and elite performance, and I very much hope that we can welcome Greg back to St Mary's again in the future."
Speaking after the interviews Programme Director for MA Sports Journalism Dr Daragh Minogue said, "The students did a great job today. I'm really looking forward to reading the full interview later this week."