Q&A: Chris Kamara

First things, Chris. Is it true you used to be in the Royal Navy?
Yes, but only for about six weeks. I did the basic training and then I signed for Portsmouth, so that was the end of my adventures on the high seas. I think I spent one day on a ship during that whole time.

The Navy’s loss was Sky Sports’s gain. Now, Garth Crooks famously spread his wings and presented The Politics Show on BBC Two. Have you ever fancied having a crack at Newsnight or Question Time?
I actually saw Garth do that show and I thought he was excellent. I’m busy covering games and presenting Goals on Sunday, but I love working in television and I’m open to offers.

You’ve always liked a challenge. What was it like getting in the ring with Ricky Hatton?
That was for Soccer AM’s Christmas show. Let’s just say it was an interesting experience. It was a bit of fun and I was up for laugh, but he caught me with a couple of good shots and he knocked me over a few times. I won’t be asking him for a rematch any time soon.

You seem to be on Sky Sports every day. Do they ever give you a day off?
I love work, but I also love horse racing, playing poker and singing. I’ve got a decent voice and if you’ve got a karaoke machine I can belt out Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison or Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel.

“Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.” What’s it like working with Jeff Stelling?
Well, the man is a legend. He likes to take the p*** out of me on air, but we are great friends. If you want to know how many games it is since East Stirling last kept a clean sheet away from home, he’s the man to ask. When it comes to football, he knows it all.

Finally, Chris, imagine that you are the Prime Minister and you can change any law you like in the UK. Which one would you change?
That’s easy. It would have to be the one where the referee makes the players go off the pitch after they’ve been injured. It’s an absolute nonsense. That law has got to go.

Interview by Kaveh Solhekol