Campbell Blair
Born: 30/06/66, East Kilbride, Scotland
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 12st 2lb
Position: Defence (shoots left)
This is not the usual Player Profile. Instead it’s a “Plus and Minus” as printed in the Clock End Times (Issue 8, 14th March 1993). Used here with permission from Mike Ewer.
Plus:
Choose 3 words to describe yourself…
Stubborn, punctual, spicy (?)
Which player did you idolise as a kid?
Bobby Orr – he changed the style of defence in the NHL.
Against which team did you make your British debut, and did you have a good game?
For Trafford v Telford in 1991 Tournament, not a bad game.
What’s the greatest game you’ve ever seen or played in?
For Streatham at Sheffield last season, we lost 10-9.
Which current coach would you like to play for?
Peter Woods, he likes a free-skating, disciplined type of team.
Which is your favourite rink?
Sheffield Arena.
What is the strangest possession in your house?
Barry Smith’s artwork on my wall.
Which player would you most liked to have played alongside?
Sean Clement of Medway.
As a kid, which position did you want to play?
I always played defence.
Which player would you most liked to have played against?
Tony Hand – he’s a proven goalscorer.
Which team did you support as a kid?
Edmonton Oilers.
Which cartoon character would you have printed on a T-shirt?
Yosemite Sam.
Who gave you your first big break in hockey?
My Mum and Dad, they gave me the support to start me off.
Which uncapped player do you think should have played for GB?
Gord Jeffrey.
What’s your favourite part of the Clock End Times?
The cartoons.
What’s the greatest piece of music you’ve ever heard?
The live version of Layla by the Kinks.
Name the player you most admire, who plays in your position…
Stephen Cooper – he has the skill of a forward and plays in a position where you don’t get many accolades, and does it well.
Minus:
What’s the worst thing about you?
I’m too stubborn.
Which club was the worst you’ve played for, and why?
Trafford Metros.
Have you ever played for a relegated team?
Yes, at Blackburn last season.
Which rink do you hate playing at?
Medway – condition of rink etc…
Which comedian makes you turn off the TV?
Mike Reid.
What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
Third degree separation of my shoulder at university.
Which cartoon character would you like to rub out?
Road Runner.
Which exercise do you hate doing in training?
Skating circles.
Which TV programme do you always switch off?
Eastenders.
Which sports do you hate watching?
Ten pin bowling.
What’s the worst hockey game you’ve seen or played in?
The last one at Basingstoke.
Which position would you hate to play in?
Goalie – in this country you don’t get a lot of help.
Which team do you hate playing against?
I don’t hate playing against any.
Which newspaper would you use in the cat tray?
The Mirror.
Who is the toughest player you’ve played against?
Wayne Crawford – such a good skater, he controls the game.
What type of food do you hate to eat?
Spinach.
What car wouldn’t you buy?
An FSO.