Cam Black recently passed 100 games for the Tanners. The Terrace laureate David Bryant recently chatted with Cam and posed him a few questions.
When you aren’t out on the pitch laying waste to the opposition, what do you do for a job?
My day job is recruitment consultant. So, I work within the construction sector, helping white collar professionals such as site managers, project managers and quantity surveyors get new jobs within London, working on construction projects and construction businesses. I kind of fell into it through a football mate of mine, actually, but it’s been going really well.
Heaven forbid you weren’t playing for the Tanners on a Saturday afternoon, how would you be spending that free time?
100% out on the golf course, that’s what I like doing. I’d probably spend a nice Saturday morning with a couple of mates, then head out to the course for the rest of the day and a couple of beers after. I think that’s my ideal weekend.
What would be your soundtrack?
I actually listen to all sorts of genres. There’s probably not a genre I don’t listen to, but I would say mainly something upbeat, a bit of house, maybe a bit of dance, a little bit of rap – that type of music. Something with a bit of energy gets me going!
Who are your heroes (one football related, one from another sphere)?
Oh, that’s a tough question. Football related, I’d probably go with my favourite player, John Terry. I’m a massive Chelsea fan, and he was a centre half like me. He won everything – captain, legend! – so he’s probably my football idol. Non-football related, that’s a tough one – you’ve got me stuck there… Does Jose Mourinho count? He’s a manager, not a player…
(DB: Because it’s you, mate, I’ll let you have it…!)
Cheers! Yeah, definitely him then. I thought he was Chelsea’s best ever manager.
Highlight of your Tanners career to date?
I think you’re going to get the same answer from a lot of players here…! Definitely for me, it was last year winning the league. I’ve never won a league personally, and the club hadn’t for years. It was unbelievable to achieve what we worked towards, to share it with the fans and to go away on holiday afterwards with the rest of the squad. It was definitely the highlight of not only my Leatherhead career, but my football career as a whole. It was great to get the club promoted back to the league that we deserve to be in. Yeah, it was a special moment…
Obviously, as a Tanner, your footballing talent is a given, but away from the pitch, do you have any other special talents?
I’m actually really good at magic tricks – that’s probably something some of the players don’t know! I’ve got a few secret card tricks that might come as a party piece.
Is there a motto by which you live your life?
I haven’t thought about that… It’s probably what I do in life as a whole. Do it to the best of your ability and have as much enjoyment as you can. I don’t think there’s any point in, for example, playing football unless you’re trying your best and enjoying it. So probably “do everything to the best of your ability and make sure you’re having some fun along the way”.
Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
(Laughs) No, it’s a boring answer, but I’ve never had one in my life.
Have you ever had a Tanners Burger from the tea bar? It’s a seven-quid monolith with sausage, bacon, cheese and onions. If yes, what was it like? If no, what is your treat food of choice?
No, I haven’t – I might have to try that out at some point! If I was to choose something, it’d probably be a big flat iron steak and chips with peppercorn sauce. That’s probably my go-to.
