Sam Cosgrove went through some of his firsts with us in an interview with a difference, as he gears up to face former club Wigan on Saturday.
The Wimbledon striker was asked a host of questions ranging from who his first idol was growing up to what his first car was, as we got more of an insight into our new number nine’s background.
The on-loan Birmingham striker will be searching for his first Wimbledon goal at the DW Stadium on Saturday after making a promising start here - and his love for a Rick Astley classic means he's never going to give up!
Cosgrove discussed his relationship with former Wimbledon defender Keith Curle, his love of Neil Armstrong and much more in what was a wide-ranging conversation.
Below is a full transcript of the interview which is now available to watch on our official YouTube channel:
Who was your first idol?
“I was a bit of a space nerd really. I liked Neil Armstrong. But football wise I would say Michael Owen – my dad won’t be too happy with that!”
What was your first game?
“My first game was in the League Cup for Wigan. I think it was against Oldham. I got on for the last 10 minutes.”
What was your first initiation song?
“I can’t remember my first one, but I’ve got a go to song - Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley. Most people know it and it gets people going!”
What was your first football shirt? –
“My first football shirt was a Manchester City one. It was the old Brother sponsor. The Bright yellow one.”
What was the first stadium that you went to?
“Bolton’s stadium. I remember sitting there and thinking, 'Wow!' It was my first time walking out at a proper stadium with Wigan. I remember getting abuse from the fans!”
Who was your first manager?
“Keith Curle at Carlisle. It was my first real taste of harsh management, but also good management at the same time in a proper first-team environment. He was good with me and he was the first manager to give me a chance.”
What were your first football boots?
“I had a pair of Adidas World Cups. They were the first ones I had – courtesy of my dad.”
What was your first professional goal?
“It was for Carlisle. The ball got crossed by the left back to the back post and I managed to get up and nod it in. It was all a bit surreal really.”
What was your first car?
“It was my Mum’s hand me down. It was a nice little Vauxhall Corsa. It had done about 20,000 miles when I got it.”
What was your first match as a fan?
“I can’t remember it, but it was watching Manchester City at Maine Road. There’s a picture of me with a bobble hat on. I wasn’t looking too pleased because it was zero degrees and my dad had forced me to the game! At least I can say I was there before we moved out of there."
Lastly, are you looking forward to returning to your old stomping ground at Wigan this weekend?
“I enjoyed my time there. I got released after four good years. But now I need to go back and prove a point. They’re one of the best teams in the league but we need to show we can match them.”