‘Making sure we’re in the right place at right time’

From the delights of victory, to the dejection of defeat, fans suffer a rollercoaster ride, with Saturday afternoons providing both pleasure and pain.

So, when I ask John Richardson about his experiences as a Sunderland fan, I’m expecting an impassioned response.

What I get is something much more level-headed.

Could it be his measured reply stems from the fact sufficient time has passed since the Black Cats’ 6-2 defeat to Everton?

Is he still on an emotional high from their Wear-Tyne derby triumph?

Was Saturday’s result against Southampton just another game in a long season?

Well, the answer actually focuses on something else.

He said: “I’m born and bred in the region; I’ve lived here all my life.

“That’s important to me and the Stadium of Light is too, as it’s a place me and my son, Nathan, go together.

“Regardless of what’s happened, we’ll be walking out and I’ll ask him, ‘how was that?’

“His reaction is always the same; he tells me it was great and he always looks at the positive side behind the whole thing.

“I went to Roker when I was a child, but it has blossomed more in recent years because of Nathan.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“The team needs a steady hand and I hope Sam Allardyce will give it that.

“You have to be positive; good things will come if it.

“But I’ve also got the banter that the football brings at work.

“I cover an area that includes Sunderland, Durham, South Shields and Gateshead, so we have a real mix of people who support different teams.

“There’s some good, friendly teasing between the troops.

“It would be great too if Boro came up next year so we had all three teams in the top division.”

As he alludes to, Mr Richardson’s working life spreads across the region.

A customer operations area manager at Northern Gas Networks, he’s responsible for heading up a team of emergency engineers, who are on call to tackle gas emergencies.

Mr Richardson, the son of a Murton miner, has spent 25 years at the firm, which has seen him work his way up through the ranks, after starting his career, as he puts it, digging up the roads.

He added: “My job is all about making sure we have the right people in the right place at the right time, so customers can keep on cooking with gas.

“When someone calls our emergency line on 0800-111-999, one of our engineers is out straightaway.

“It’s all about maintaining high standards at all times.

“I’ve done 25 years and I’d love to get to 40 years.

“It is a special place; we call ourselves the Wear Family.

“Striving to deliver a great service and having a wonderful team around me is really enjoyable.”

Five minutes with... John Richardson

Favourite North-East building and why? The Stadium of Light, it provides me with a rollercoaster of emotions.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? When I left school I started a youth training scheme (YTS) doing accountancy. I was paid £29.50 a week.

What is the worst job you've had? The YTS job, it was terrible. It really helps me appreciate the role I have today.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I’m not the greatest cook, however, I would knock up some garlic mushrooms followed by spaghetti bolognaise.

What would your superpower be? To be able to see things going wrong just before it happens.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: My partner Lesley, my little boy Nathan, who is nine, and my two parents who are both deceased. Neither of my parents met Nathan and it would make a fabulous dinner party.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? Many years ago I bought a Tag watch for £1,200. Those days are now history.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Sadly I am not on Twitter, although I do love hearing the birds tweet!

Favourite book? Harry Potter, a great read.

When did you last cry? In April 2015, when I lost a dear friend.

What is your greatest achievement? Without question becoming a dad. It is the best thing ever.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Not to focus on negative members of the team and spend my time with the positive members. This has changed the way I lead people and the results and satisfaction is immeasurable.

Favourite animal and why? I keep racing pigeons. They have been in the family for generations and they really help me to relax after a busy day at work.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? My son Nathan, a true superstar.

What was the last band you saw live? Boyzone. Not through choice, they are my better half’s favourite boyband.

Describe your perfect night in… A nice meal with the family, two tins of beer and waking up on the sofa at 3am – really showing my age.

In another life I would be... Six foot tall. It must be amazing to see life from that level and be able to achieve so many things without steps.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Many people compare me to the actors in the film Twins. In case you are wondering it wouldn’t be Arnie playing me.

What irritates you? I struggle when targets are missed that could have been achieved.

What's your secret talent? I can balance a spoon perfectly on the end of my nose. It is a fabulous talent but sadly it is not in great demand.