Room 101: Chris Whitehead – former Exeter hooker

1. Londoners
I need to be careful here as I have lots of friends that are living in London and some still playing for London clubs. However, having lived in Exeter for six years, I’ve become accustomed to the politeness and willingness of people to actually lift their heads from the ground and say hello or at least smile as you pass. The three times recently that I’ve been to London for business, I’ve flown from Exeter. It’s an early flight and you get on the flight with lovely folk from the south west all suited and booted. They’re polite and friendly but my god, the minute they step off that plane they are arging and barging to get past you as if they haven’t eaten in months and they can smell a pasty!
TRP verdict: That’s a Yes with a capital Y!
2. Recruitment agency reputations
I’d have to say one of my biggest gripes at the moment is the ‘shadow’ that walks around with you as a recruitment consultant. Since having to retire last season, I’ve set up my own business Thrive Talent. Now I had no idea how bad a name my predecessors had left the recruitment world before I joined it but I think we currently rank just below Estate Agents and just above world poverty. I’m determined to give recruitment a good name again by operating in a trustworthy and honest approach to business! Now stop ignoring my cold calls.
TRP verdict: Sorry, you’re fired not hired.
3. Parking/traffic wardens
These vile creatures only seem to crawl out of their holes in the summer. Can you honestly tell me a time that you remember seeing one when it’s hammering down with rain? Fair play they are working for a living but I’ve never met a nice one!
TRP verdict: You’ve got yourself a ticket into Room 101.