Name:Jim Nelson
Hometown:Belfast
Date of Birth:06/09/1968
Supporters Club: East End BSC
Where do you sit in Windsor Park? Section C in the South Stand
Can you recall your first match?
I was a lot younger than I am now, so that’s a bit of a blur.
How long have you supported the Blues?
Seems like forever, but must be close on 40 years now – since my late father started taking me.
Who influenced you most?
I had the good fortune that my late father was a Blueman and I inherited his good judgement.
Did you idolise any player?
My first real hero was Jimmy Martin.
Who is your favourite current player?
I wouldn’t say I have a favourite at the minute, but when Jamie Mulgrew plays well, the team does too. Sean Ward and Andy Waterworth have been great recent acquisitions.
Who is your all time great?
It’s almost Impossible to pick one. Before my time, but we had great players in the past like Jackie Milburn and Tommy Dickson. I remember the golden years of the 80s and players such as Billy Murray, Lindsay McKeown, Martin McGaughey and in more recent time, Glenn Ferguson.
What other Irish League player from the past do you admire?
Again, from the 80s and our battles with the Glens, it would be Jim Cleary.
And the present?
We don’t seem to have such stand out players any more.
What is your favourite away ground?
It would probably be Dungannon. It’s a small compact ground with no tickets required and good facilities for supporters including a great social club.
Most memorable occasion supporting Linfield?
In very recent times, I’ll not forget that Warrenpoint game in a hurry. Enjoyed my trip to Randers in Denmark, if not the result.
If you had unlimited funds who would you buy?
Messi
Do you support any other team?
Northern Ireland
What was the best Linfield goal you ever seen?
I have seen many great goals over the years. Jimmy Martin’s hat-trick of goals at the Oval on Boxing Day were very memorable and Peter Thompson’s winning goal against Glentoran in the 2006 Irish Cup Final was a special moment. It meant so much to clinch the Clean Sweep and beat our biggest rivals in a cup final.
What appeals to you most about Linfield?
The history and tradition of the club.
What appeals to you most about the Irish League?
It’s local, it’s inexpensive and it’s a chance to meet up with friends. Sure the football is not always the best, but you know you’ll get some banter that will make you smile.