On top of his poker achievements is reaching the final table at an EPT event in Portugal in 2010, where he finished in an impressive fifth place. In this exclusive interview for Spadepoker, Teddy shares his memories of a glittering football career and his love for poker. From iconic moments at Wembley to the competitive thrill of poker tournaments, Teddy’s journey is as inspiring as it is multifaceted.
What gave you the desire to have such a long and successful career in football?
My career was a case of taking small stepping stones along the way to the top, and then taking more stepping stones coming back down the other side. At a point, you realise you're not at your peak anymore, but you still want to enjoy, what you're doing and can still play and be successful at a good level. When you can do that, managers will still want to sign you.
I always enjoyed the privilege of being a professional footballer and being paid to play football every day was like a dream come true. If you said to me when I was 10 years old that I was going to have 25 years in professional football, I would have laughed at you! I was nowhere near it before when I was coming up to the age of 15. But I loved every minute and it's great to look back on every moment.
Do you have one particular career highlight that stands out?
I used to imagine what it would be like to play in the FA Cup final, because me and my family would always sit around the TV and watch different clubs and players each year getting on the bus to Wembley and it was filled with excitement. My highlights are all around Wembley and playing for England at Wembley was also a massive highlight.
You just look back to all those memories you had of watching England stars performing on little black and white TVs and you're just dreaming, thinking you’d love that to be you one day. Then you go out and practice in the garden, and there you are 20 years later emulating what those other players did. The adrenaline kicks in and you can't sleep the night before because of all the years of dreaming that it might happen. You fear that you might snatch at a chance out of anxiety and you have to calm yourself down due to the excitement.
How did you prepare for games as a footballer?
I was always excited but focused going into games. There are times when you are a captain or a leader and you need to be a bit louder, but others when you need to focus and envisage what you want to happen in the game.
What sparked your interest in poker?
Growing up, I always played cards with my mum, dad and brother. That then went from learning different games to just being interested in general. Then you play cards on the coach as a footballer and in hotel rooms and whatnot. All of a sudden, I was coming to the end of my football career, so I was playing more poker and getting quite good at it. I had been losing money playing before and I didn’t want to lose any more, so I got better at it. After coming out of football, having the excitement and the adrenaline of playing for a few quid was great, so I continued to do it for a good few years. There were some memorable moments along the way.
What similarities can you see between football and poker?
I've always liked pitting myself against others in any form of competition, whether it be football, poker, tennis, golf, paddle, anything. I just love competing.
Did you play poker during your football career?
I played for a good few years before I finished; probably from the age of about 30 for another 12 years or so after that.
Did you play poker with any team-mates?
There are always card players among footballers. I remember early in my career when I played for Millwall, and we used to play three-card brag. There were games for big money; more than we should have been playing with at the time, but people would often forget about money they were owed. Some players participated and some didn’t, but I remember playing at most clubs I was at.
Do you still play poker, or have you stepped away from the game?
I've got young kids now, so the idea of going out and playing poker until 6am is not as possible when you have to be up at 7am to take them to school! But every now and again I'll get a chance.
Thanks a lot Teddy, we wish you all the best in your life!
Teddy was speaking to Spade Poker on behalf of OLBG - www.olbg.com/casino-sites