We caught up with Baz, host of Course You Can Malcolm, to ask him a few probing questions before he takes on the London Marathon for the Development Fund this Sunday.
Please sponsor Baz whatever you can afford as he tackles the gruelling 26.2 miles to raise money for our club.
1. Why have you decided to run the London Marathon for the Development Fund?
Is it too late to back out of this?
2. How much are you aiming to raise?
£3,007.
3. You’ve got a way to go! Any idea how you can increase the donations?
I’ve considered getting badly injured, that might help. But ideally it won’t come to that. Hopefully running 26.2 miles will be enough.
4. What time are you aiming for?
Baxter (George Baker) did it in 6:31:54. Mack did it in 5:27:11. Jimmy Deadman was too fast. So, 5:27:10 at all costs.
5. How’s your training been going?
Less is more, right?
6. What’s been the best thing about your training?
Other than the pulled calf, growing bunion, loss of social life, general discomfort and exhaustion, I've been sleeping incredibly well.
7. What’s been the worst thing about it?
Going to Gainsborough away sober on the Wagonette/Giddy Bus and having to endure Mack recollect verses of chants he'd made up over the years. This went on all day. I nearly hurled myself onto the motorway near Doncaster.
8. Any regrets?
I once served Ryan Giggs when I was on the till at work. If I had my time again, I'd ask him why he bought so many carrots.
9. What was your first FC United game?
A cold and drab 2-0 loss to Worcester at Broadhurst Park in 2015; a Friday night match under the floodlights. Credit to Swampy et al, I'd been listening on the radio for a couple of seasons prior and they made it seem 07/08 United were rocking up most weeks. What I saw that night was appalling - I came back for nearly every game rest of the season.
10. Why do you support FC United?
The reasons have been so transient over the years. An unshakeable belief that we must all own and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Direct action as the only viable strategy to get the Glazers gone. Standing with my pals, although they don't half go on sometimes.
11. What does the club mean to you?
Hope, I think. Or lack thereof, some days.
12. Do you think you’ll complete the 26.2 miles?
If Baxter can...
13. What strategy have you got to get you round the course?
Give the ball to Tunde?
14. What fancy dress are you going to wear?
A Rock of Gibraltar costume.
15. What are you looking forward to the most after your marathon?
Now, this — I have a strategy for. First hour: three pints of Guinness. Second hour: two pints of Guinness. Third hour: two pints of Guinness and black. Fourth hour onwards: alternate between a Guinness and G&T. Across at least three public houses. Sit-down Indian after? Probably wash it down with four or five lager tops.
Good luck Baz!