Sean Sowden, co-founder of Go Geothermal, in Newton Aycliffe, hails company's success

Every fan, and plenty of players too, have suffered from the disappointment of seeing their hopes of heroism taken away.

But not Sean Sowden.

As a young attacking midfielder, his skills attracted the interest of semi-professional teams, which could have paved the way for a career in the sport.

However, his route to success took a different path, and, after moving into investment banking, he now heads North-East renewable energy firm, Go Geothermal, based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The company specialises in selling and distributing heat pumps, biomass, and underfloor heating equipment, and is run by the 42-year-old and his fellow director, Tim Williams, after being founded in 2006.

It may seem a world away from his roots in investment banking, but Mr Sowden is delighted with its progress, which received a boost when he signed a deal with a global company to stock market-leading pipework.

He said: “Investment banking was my graduate job after leaving Nottingham Trent University, and I worked for Barclays de Zoete Wedd, which was the investment arm of Barclays.

“I did that for a number of years and also worked for myself doing a lot of consultancy work.

“I'm originally from Retford, Nottinghamshire, moving up to the North-East with my wife, Tori, and the company came about after a conversation I had with Tim.

“I've known him since we were 12-years-old, and he was working in the pipe industry and could see how the market was changing and where the opportunities were arising for renewable work.

“We got it going and it got to the point where I couldn't do my consultancy work anymore because there just wasn't the hours in the day.”

The company employs seven workers across County Durham and North Nottinghamshire, and Mr Sowden says it has come a long way from its origins.

He said: “It was a simple decision for me; as soon as Tim mentioned it, I wanted to do it.

“It was a steep learning curve, but one we have overcome successfully.

“This year started a little slowly, which wasn't helped by delays to the Government's Renewable Heat Incentive, that provides financial help for renewable heat uptake.

“But since that was announced, we have see an upturn in business and expect to beat last year's figures.”

So, real success off the pitch then.

But does he still regret that decision to steer away from football?

He said: “I was only at semi-professional level and I did get offered trials with teams, which included Enfield.

“I was playing in an FA-affiliated five-a-side league and the standard was very high.

“But it wasn't for me.

“I went down for a couple of training sessions but the thought of spending all of my Saturday on football was too much.

“I was working long hours through the week and didn't want to take more of my weekend up travelling to play.

“What I did was great, and I really enjoyed it.”

Five minutes with...Sean Sowden

Favourite North-East building and why? The Sage, in Gateshead. It’s a stunning building that fits in so well with its surroundings.

The interior is pretty special too.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I had a paper round from the age of 12, seven days a week, and got paid a whopping £3.50.

It wasn’t a lot but it taught me the value of money from an early age.

What is the worst job you've had? One summer I worked in a factory that produced disposable razors. I literally had to pick them from a conveyor belt and place them in a box, all day long. It was the most mind numbing experience I’ve ever had.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Garlic King Prawns to start. Main course would be Spicy Pork Goulash, it’s a slow cooked dish which is amazing, and dessert would be ice cream with Turkish Delight complete with a hot chocolate sauce.

What would your superpower be? It’s a toss-up between having the ability to slow down time so I can get everything that I need to be done in 24 hours or the power to cure all forms of disease and illness.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Richard Branson because he's a fantastic business man.

Steve Jobs because he was a perfectionist, which I’m accused of being so it would be nice to compare notes.

Sir Winston Churchill as I’m very keen on the history of the Second World War and he would have some very interesting stories.

Jennifer Aniston because she would be someone very nice to look at if the evening became boring.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A stereo, for an eye watering £2,600. I’m absolutely crazy about music so it was a rather large present, justifiable in my own mind, if not the wife’s, to myself ten years ago.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Jeremy Clarkson was pretty good but unfortunately he seems to have stopped tweeting now.

Twop Twips is pretty good if you like Viz style humour.

Favourite book? The Day of the Triffids, by John Wyndham.

A superbly well written book that you just can’t put down.

When did you last cry? When we were told that one of our cocker spaniels may have cancer.

What is your greatest achievement? Starting Go Geothermal and working incredibly hard to ensure that it has become and continues to stay a very successful business.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Give all of your customers the finest service possible and you’ll not go too far wrong.

Favourite animal and why? Dogs.

Loads of fun and they cheer you up no matter how grumpy you may be, while wanting nothing but love in return.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? I don’t tend to mix in any celebrity circles sadly.

What was the last band you saw live? The Stone Roses in June.

They were absolutely superb and brought back so many fond memories of my time at university.

Describe your perfect night in. That would be having our favourite group of friends round for a meal and plenty of good wine.

The perfect combination for a great night in.

In another life I would be... I’d be a Formula One driver.

The thrill of the racing at such high speeds must be incredible.

Couple this with not having to spend half your week chasing customers for money then I’d say it’s the perfect job.

Or failing that, less busy.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Tom Cruise.

We are of similar stature and height but unfortunately all similarities end there.

What irritates you? Unreliable people.

What's your secret talent? Not so much a secret talent but I was a damn fine footballer before injury robbed me of a career, even if I do say so myself.