20 Questions: Matt Thompson – Newcastle hooker

How are Falcons shaping up for the new season?
We’re a lot more disciplined. Dean Richards brought in ex-Royal Marine and Newcastle player Andy Perry as our fitness man and he’s shaken things up.
Feel ready for the Premiership?
Since (owner) Semore Kurdi invested I’ve seen things improving month-by -month, season-by-season and hopefully we can take the Premiership by storm.
How does it feel being Newcastle’s longest serving player?
It was my dream to play for Newcastle and although our scrum coach, Micky Ward, has played more games, I’m honoured to be the longest serving.
Remember your debut?
Away at Newport in early 2002. We got hammered 53-17 and it was horrible!
Where did you start out in rugby?
Here, when I was six. It was called Newcastle Gosforth then and I lived round the corner. Dad took me down and I got a contract with Falcons after I left school.
What was it like having your dad, Dave, as chairman?
I distanced myself from him when it came to rugby and hated it when he came in the changing room ranting at us after a bad result. I just kept my head down and hid!
Must have been tough for you?
It was just part of having a Dad who was passionate about rugby. He loved owning the rugby club and his driver was to take the club to the top.
Which players did you admire as a lad?
The Falcons player who used to coach me at school was Micky Ward. I loved him for that and he taught me about professionalism in rugby.
Other rugby idols?
Jonny Wilkinson for his sheer professionalism. But the best player I played with was Matt Burke, who showed sheer brilliance and was a real class act.
Best player you played against?
Keith Wood. I came off the bench against him at Harlequins during my first season. I remembered him from the 1997 Lions so to face him was amazing.
Falcons career highlights?
My debut, winning the Powergen Cup in 2004 and, more recently, winning promotion. It’s the best set-up we’ve had and I’m very excited about the future.
Ever considered leaving Newcastle?
There have been offers and at times I’ve thought about it, but Newcastle’s in my blood and I’m settled here with my wife and kids. My contract’s up this season and I’d like to get a renewal and see out my career here.
Planning for life after playing?
I’d love to get into coaching. I’m currently doing my Level 3 and coaching at Gosforth High School. Being a local lad, it’s my way of putting something back.
Do you enjoy any other sports?
I love football, it’s a religion up here, but my school, Newcastle RGS, didn’t play it. I played it in the streets, though, and follow Newcastle United.
Get to St James’ Park much?
Luckily one of my best mates sponsors me at Falcons and he has a box at United, so whenever I get the opportunity I’ll be there.
How else do you chill-out?
My two young boys are three and one so they’re a handful. But I love playing poker and play it reasonably regularly on the internet or live.
If you could invite three dinner guests, who?
I love my boxing so Floyd Mayweather would be one. Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan would be the others …true Geordie legends.
Best and worst banter at Falcons?
Best is Scott MacLeod, who’s a good lad with a very quick wit. There’s plenty of bad ones but I’ll single out Joel Hodgson, who’s a gobby young lad who gets shot down by the older boys. Still gets his hair cut at home by his mum, too!
Best and worst dressed?
Andrew Higgins is always very dapper. I’m easily the worst and pride myself on being scruffy. It’s usually baggy jeans and a big T-shirt.
Hopes for the season?
To win every game! You take every game as it comes and try to win the next one, then the next one and the next one after that.