INTERVIEW: Andy Goldstein

ANDYGOLDSTEIN #JL AMBASSADOR

J.Lindeberg Ambassador Andy Goldstein is a British television presenter and radio broadcaster currently working for talkSPORT. He presented Soccer AM on Saturday mornings, succeeding Tim Lovejoy in 2004. We caught up with Andy to find about about his passion for golf and fashion.

If we are right in describing you as one of the world's leading "shock jocks" (and to be fair you have many more talents) do you have an idol you would rate the all-time "king of shock jocks"?

I love the way Chris Evans broadcasts, not just on radio but TV as well. Jonathan Ross has been a favourite of mine since I can remember, and I use to make an appointment to listen to Ricky Gervais when he was on XFM.

When Jason Cundy did not show up for an interview, you announced his death and you falsely accused Rio Ferdinand of having a fake twitter account. Do either of them still speak to you?

The Cundy situation was terrible… I obviously said it as a joke but it was early on in my career and didn’t realise that people dip in and out of the radio rather than listen to your every word. It got to a stage where fans of his laid flowers outside Stamford Bridge and his parents got calls from friends offering their condolences. I apologised the next day on air and privately to his parents and nearly lost my job over it . . . But 13 years later we’re still working together 4 nights a week so I think he’s forgiven me now! …And of course, Rio loves me now!

Which showbiz/non-showbiz pals do you enjoy playing golf with most?

I play mainly with my pals who are my level…. I played with Jamie O’hara a few weeks ago who was amazing (he plays off 7) and I played with Jimmy Bullard years ago for Soccer Am and he was equally annoying.

How long have you played golf?

I played years ago and never took it seriously, but I started again last July now I’ve got the bug back like never before and I can’t get enough.

Are you a member at a golf club and what is your handicap?

Yeah, I’m a member at West Essex and I play off 28.

What’s your first memory of JL in golf?

I’m a huge fan of clothes and I remember seeing how innovative their golfing clothing brand was and still is.

Why overall does the JL style appeal to you?

Because I feel they’re always pushing the envelope and taking it to another level which appeals to a much younger funkier audience where in the past various golfing brands have been stuck in the dark ages.

What made you start wearing JL clothing?

I’ve always worn JL clothes before, I’ve had suits and coats but when I took up golf again my pal bought me a JL top and I was sold on it from then.

The golf shot you love the most?

The perfect drive.

Who is your favourite sports personality?

I have a few. Bryan Robson as a kid was my idol. As was Jimmy White.

And the funniest?

Jimmy’s become a close friend over the years and is just amazing to hang out with.

Best joke you have heard lately?

I can’t tell you the joke because it’s too rude, but it ends with the punchline – “Well, it didn’t taste like a prawn”

Would you encourage families to play golf, if so, how can clubs contribute to such growth?

Even more so now with what’s going on in the world. Getting outside for 4/5 hours is amazing. Nothing beats it. You also learn a lot about people on the course and obviously nothing beats competing against (and beating) your family!

Where do you live?

Why you want to know? Are you a copper?

And your most dreaded or toughest?

Changes with every round. At the moment my short game is terrible.

Favourite golf course and why?

I’ve not played that many as of yet, so I’d have to say mine by miles!

What’s the funniest thing ever happened to you on a golf course? When I was just about to get my first ever birdy (3ft putt) I got my phone out and asked my brother-inlaw to film me. Obviously, I missed and then missed the par putt too!

#JL AMBASSADOR