Exclusive Interview with Colin Slater, Part 1

Last updated : 21 July 2003 By Colin Slater & Mark Stevenson
Firstly, how did you get into Football Commentary?
Colin Slater
I worked as a journalist and covered Notts County, from 1959-60 season onwards, on first the "Football News" and later the "Football Post".I had moved into public relations work as BBC Radio Nottingham started up in 1968 and I was invited to join them on a freelance basis, which I have remained ever since.
Who has been the best player you have seen ever play for Notts?
Without any question, Don Masson, a peerless passer of the ball.
What has been the best Notts County game you have ever commentated on?
The year 1981 was both significant and exciting. On 2 May I commentated from Stamford Bridge on the match which took Notts back into the (old) First Division for the first time in 55 years: Chelsea 0 Notts 2. Three days later we were all back at Meadow Lane to celebrate this great achievement and another win: Notts 2 Cambridge 0. The next match was the debut at the top flight, 29 August, Aston Villa 0 Notts 1. That little sequence will take some beating - ever!
In your opinion who is the best Notts County Manager Notts have ever had and why?
Jimmy Sirrell
Jimmy gets Gold
Jimmy Sirrel's record has to make him the best manager, certainly of my experience. It was a phenomenal achievement to lead Notts from the (old) Fourth to First Divisions. Neil Warnock did much the same but, for me, he gets the silver medal while Jimmy gets the gold.
What is the most daft thing you have ever said live on Radio?
I deeply reget what I said after Notts lost 1-0 at Fulham on 11 May,
1985. The result, in the last match of the season, sealed the club's
relegation to Division Three and I described it as "a tragedy". On a day when spectators lost their lives in a fire at Bradford City's ground the word was totally misplaced. What happened at Bradford was a tragedy.
Where do you believe Notts can finish up next season?
Unless the financial position eases very considerably, and I cannot see that happening - unless one or two new, really rich directors come forward -Notts are not going to have the resources of other clubs to compete for players in the transfer market, even those that are "free". They will not, I therefore believe, be able to compete for honours on the field and I see them finishing no higher than tenth. I hope I'm wrong!
What was your opinion of Derek Pavis?
Derek Pavis, now
Colin's opinion on the former Chairman
Derek Pavis did much good work for the club. When Neil Warnock was manager Notts enjoyed some remarkable success - two play-off triumphs at Wembley were wonderful peaks. In addition his vision to rebuild the Meadow Lane stadium is an achievement that can never be taken away from him.
Why do you think Notts went down from the top division to Division Three in a space of seven years?
Three reasons: Lack of financial resources meant they were unable to
compete properly. Some mismanagement. And a bit of bad luck with injuries.