Getting Personal with Mark Goddard
Mark Goddard: come up and see me, make me smile!
Who are you? Mark Goddard, Head Groundsman at Driffield Town Cricket Club and Recreation Ground.
Family status? Married with two girls, 5 and 9 years.
Who's your hero and why? My little girls as they can actually get me to smile.
What's been the highlight of your grounds career so far? My job at the moment as I've always wanted to work here from when I was a kid.
If your younger self saw you now, what would they think? I wish he would smile.
Which famous people wind you up? Overpaid football players.
What job would you love, other than your own? Would love to work at a County cricket ground.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? Any time someone asks me to spell something. It is definitely not my strong point.
What is your favourite film? The Shawshank Redemption.
What scares you? Having to give a speech. Something happening to my girls.
What would your autobiography be called… and who would play you in the film? Carry On Regardless. Ricky Gervais in Afterlife.
What is your favourite sport? Cricket.
What would you cast into Room 101? Soap Operas.
Which historical time and place would you most like to visit? The Industrial Revolution. I would like to work on steam engines.
Do you have a lifetime ambition? Swimming at the Great Barrier Reef.
Which three people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party? David Jason. David Attenborough and Fred Dibnah.
What's the best advice you have ever been given? Proper preparation prevents poor performance.
What's your favourite smell? Fresh baked bread.
Which three albums would you take to a desert island? Coldplay. Queen. Robbie Williams.
What's the daftest work-related question you have ever been asked? Can you not use white tape instead of paint on the grass courts? Or, is this your full-time job?
What's your favourite piece of kit? John Deere Aercore walk behind.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Quiet. Reliable. Inventive.
What is the single most useful thing you could tell a 16-year-old groundsperson? Do it right, do it once.
What talent would you like to have? To have a good memory.