Former England and Arsenal footballer: 'I always take my binoculars because I love watching the birds'

                                                                

Probably syndicated to many local newspapers such as the Grimsby Telegraph (above), here is Abi Jackson's interview with  the Yorkshire-born former footballer

FORMER Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman has revealed that he has on his way to becoming "a proper twitcher".

In a newspaper article about his passion for angling, he says he has also become hooked on observing birds and other wildlife.

He is quoted thus: "I always take my binoculars because I love looking at all the different aspects of wildlife, watching the birds."

He has now sufficiently clued up that he can identify some species by their call or song - "like a proper twitcher". 

Rotherham-born David (59) enjoyed a  footballing career lasting from 1981 to 2004. He won numerous honours with Arsenal and won 75 caps for England, representing his country in the team that reached the quarter-final of the 2002 World Cup held in Brazil.

However, he retired two years later because of a recurring shoulder injury and he now coaches - when he is not fishing or watching birds.

The Wryneck says: Welcome to the birding community, David! It is good that someone with an illustrious sporting heritage is now, in his own words, a 'proper twitcher'. Wherever he chooses to watch and listen to birds, here’s hoping the ex-Gunner gets plenty of encouragement - and gives plenty in return. In the meantime, an organisation such as the RSPB or his county wildlife trust (or both) should swoop. The former star ‘keeper would doubtless prove a great ambassador and perhaps prompt many others, including notables from the world of sport, to join him on his birding journey.