What regrets do you have?

I have two main ones.

The first is that I didn't leave the Army and turn pro when I had the chance.
I coach amateurs these days and I can still handle 90% of them with ease, I look at the likes of Sprott and Skelton and think yeah, my amateur career was good but broken up by tours of duty etc and my style was built around fast hands and power so I would have suited the pro game better IMO, I regret it almost every day (there are probably thousands thinking the same thing)

The second is that I was asked to invest in a Close Protection company (Bodyguards) a few years ago and help run it, at the time I had just got out the Army and played it safe by saying no. Needless to say the company took off and now has arms in Dubai and London.
The three who started it are well on their way to becoming millionaires!!!
Happy for them truly but gutted for my bad choice!

What regrets do you have?

I have two main ones.

The first is that I didn't leave the Army and turn pro when I had the chance.
I coach amateurs these days and I can still handle 90% of them with ease, I look at the likes of Sprott and Skelton and think yeah, my amateur career was good but broken up by tours of duty etc and my style was built around fast hands and power so I would have suited the pro game better IMO, I regret it almost every day (there are probably thousands thinking the same thing)

The second is that I was asked to invest in a Close Protection company (Bodyguards) a few years ago and help run it, at the time I had just got out the Army and played it safe by saying no. Needless to say the company took off and now has arms in Dubai and London.
The three who started it are well on their way to becoming millionaires!!!
Happy for them truly but gutted for my bad choice!

were the army good in their support for you in boxing?

I've no regrets, lifes too short for regrets.

were the army good in their support for you in boxing?

Not really mate.

If there was a tour coming up then I had to go (fair enough that was my job) but it meant I lost 6 - 12 months.

Even when I was representing either the Army or the Combined Services they harassed me and always wanted me back.

Like anywhere really it depended on my CO. I had one who allowed me full time training between fights but he moved on after two years, his successor made me train in my own time, which would be fair enough but I had to do the PT with everyone else and sports when I could have been training.

Originally I was posted to 50 Missile Regt RA as that was a sporting Regiment so that I could box but the Regiment was disbanded after I had been there 2 months!

I've no regrets, lifes too short for regrets.

Fair enough, I do though!

Fair enough, I do though!



Aye mate you'll be gutted bout the CP company thing but nowts to stop you starting one of your own up.
As for the boxing even if you havent went as far as youd like to you in a position now where you can help other boxers get to the top of their game. Training champions thatd be a real buzz and theres nowt to stop you from doing that.
Always look ahead cos if you look behind ya there'll be a ****ing lamp post there when you look forwards again that you'll knock into lol.

Not really mate.

If there was a tour coming up then I had to go (fair enough that was my job) but it meant I lost 6 - 12 months.

Even when I was representing either the Army or the Combined Services they harassed me and always wanted me back.

Like anywhere really it depended on my CO. I had one who allowed me full time training between fights but he moved on after two years, his successor made me train in my own time, which would be fair enough but I had to do the PT with everyone else and sports when I could have been training.

Originally I was posted to 50 Missile Regt RA as that was a sporting Regiment so that I could box but the Regiment was disbanded after I had been there 2 months!

poor, i got the impression that the army pushed you if you showed talent in a sport especially boxing

Aye mate you'll be gutted bout the CP company thing but nowts to stop you starting one of your own up.
As for the boxing even if you havent went as far as youd like to you in a position now where you can help other boxers get to the top of their game. Training champions thatd be a real buzz and theres nowt to stop you from doing that.
Always look ahead cos if you look behind ya there'll be a ****ing lamp post there when you look forwards again that you'll knock into lol.

Your right pal of course, I wont lose sleep over these things but I cant help but wonder what if......

poor, i got the impression that the army pushed you if you showed talent in a sport especially boxing

Like I said Jim it depends on the unit you join and the workload. Dont forget the Army is really stretched at the minute so they cannot afford to let all the sportsman go off training!

A more positive example is when I first joined I joined as a Junior Soldier (16 years old) and had to spend 12 months in basic training.
Because I won the Jnr Army title (L/Middle then!!!) quite early on in the process I spent about six months on extra rations and in a tracksuit training most days so it worked out well.

The problems arose when 50 Missile disbanded but dont be put off as you will still be encouraged to box and will receive some form of bonus for doing it.

I still managed to get in over 50 fights so......

I got respect for you Micky, in what you have done with your life... and i'm still gonna come to your club to train/spar one day. Although I wont be able to tell when, cos i'm off to uni in September.

As far as regrets I dont have many... my life has turned out as I planned it up until now. Any regrets I have are very trivial compared.

I got respect for you Micky, in what you have done with your life... and i'm still gonna come to your club to train/spar one day. Although I wont be able to tell when, cos i'm off to uni in September.

As far as regrets I dont have many... my life has turned out as I planned it up until now. Any regrets I have are very trivial compared.

I hope you never have any mate.

My regrets over poor decisons made, with hindsight, on reflection still do not compare with the positives in my life so....its all good mate.

Which Uni are you off to?

I hope you never have any mate.

My regrets over poor decisons made, with hindsight, on reflection still do not compare with the positives in my life so....its all good mate.

Which Uni are you off to?
Kingstaan, Winstaan.

I coulda gone Norwich which is much better, but decided against. :(

I think it is good to have regrets - if you don't admit when you've made mistakes how can you learn? Of course you can't let regret dominate your life and let your past dictate your future by the same token.

So far I the only true regret I have is regarding my behaviour in one particular relationship breakup, 'twas awful by the standards I set myself. My life has gone well enough so far, but I can't help sometimes thinking that I could do so much more - I was at lunch the other day with two guys who had knighthoods (both retired now) and I caught myself thinking, with the hand I was dealt I should be aiming for that level, not some halfassed effort where I earn a good wage and have a nice family etc.

Not that those things aren't good, just that I think I can do more. Promotion at work is the current hurdle, then I'll be a proper civil servant with more influence etc. I guess then I'll be able to make my mind up whether this career is for me long term.

Excellent thread, one that can only work in the limey lounge - pat on the back for all concerned!

I think it is good to have regrets - if you don't admit when you've made mistakes how can you learn? Of course you can't let regret dominate your life and let your past dictate your future by the same token.

So far I the only true regret I have is regarding my behaviour in one particular relationship breakup, 'twas awful by the standards I set myself. My life has gone well enough so far, but I can't help sometimes thinking that I could do so much more - I was at lunch the other day with two guys who had knighthoods (both retired now) and I caught myself thinking, with the hand I was dealt I should be aiming for that level, not some halfassed effort where I earn a good wage and have a nice family etc.

Not that those things aren't good, just that I think I can do more. Promotion at work is the current hurdle, then I'll be a proper civil servant with more influence etc. I guess then I'll be able to make my mind up whether this career is for me long term.

Excellent thread, one that can only work in the limey lounge - pat on the back for all concerned!
Surely aiming for a knighthood and saying that if you dont achieve that then you have only made a halfassed effort, is misguiding yourself.

Firstly I dont think they base those titles on merit anymore and also, holding that just means you were selected by a few people who apparently have a more valuable viewpoint than... me, for example. You can still be a good person and not receive a knighthood in your life.

Of course you're Master Exige - It wasn't the title I was fixated on, but more the achievements of these fellas, from exactly the same start in life as I had (it was a school old boys link).

It just makes me think everytime I waste a day watching Wimbledon or posting here I could be working to a much greater goal. Nothing thats gonna ruin my life, I'm perfectly happy and horribly arrogant on the surface(!), but I'd love to have an obituary in the broadsheets when I pop my clogs. That would be wicked, if a slightly morbid thought....

I think it is good to have regrets - if you don't admit when you've made mistakes how can you learn? Of course you can't let regret dominate your life and let your past dictate your future by the same token.

So far I the only true regret I have is regarding my behaviour in one particular relationship breakup, 'twas awful by the standards I set myself. My life has gone well enough so far, but I can't help sometimes thinking that I could do so much more - I was at lunch the other day with two guys who had knighthoods (both retired now) and I caught myself thinking, with the hand I was dealt I should be aiming for that level, not some halfassed effort where I earn a good wage and have a nice family etc.

Not that those things aren't good, just that I think I can do more. Promotion at work is the current hurdle, then I'll be a proper civil servant with more influence etc. I guess then I'll be able to make my mind up whether this career is for me long term.

Excellent thread, one that can only work in the limey lounge - pat on the back for all concerned!

Surely aiming for a knighthood and saying that if you dont achieve that then you have only made a halfassed effort, is misguiding yourself.

Firstly I don't think they base those titles on merit anymore and also, holding that just means you were selected by a few people who apparently have a more valuable viewpoint than... me, for example. You can still be a good person and not receive a knighthood in your life.

I think it is extremely important to set yourself goals and have a benchmark to mark it against whether that is being the best road sweeper you can be or a Knight of the Realm.
It depends on the direction you have taken in life, my goals and aspirations are far different now to what they were when I was 18 but I still have an equal amount of hope but without the naivety.

Something like a Knighthood means nothing to some but the world to others and their families therefore its dependent on the road you take in life and that's fine in fact its good.

I agree with all the posts, regrets should not be pondered for too long but should be pondered just long enough to learn from.

I think it is extremely important to set yourself goals and have a benchmark to mark it against whether that is being the best road sweeper you can be or a Knight of the Realm.
It depends on the direction you have taken in life, my goals and aspirations are far different now to what they were when I was 18 but I still have an equal amount of hope but without the naivety.

Something like a Knighthood means nothing to some but the world to others and their families therefore its dependent on the road you take in life and that's fine in fact its good.

I agree with all the posts, regrets should not be pondered for too long but should be pondered just long enough to learn from.
Right. I was just showing concern over that goal, to become knighted though. Especially considering the basis of receiving one is ummmmmm.... not much... apparently.

Mine is to be remembered when I die. That would be my success.

Not that I give two pennies about knighthoods, and I'd hate to be called sir, or doctor, or any title - but why do you think the selection for these awards is so poor. I think where it concerns celebrities it is crap, but 99% of the awards go to unknown people who have been nominated for great services to their country and community.

The two old guys I was referring to;

One had been chief fire officer for 15 years during the 70's and 80's after long service as a pilot in the RAF.

The other guy had been involved with setting examinations and was in charge of the change to GCSEs and other such stuff (didn't chat to him as throughly) during his career.

I have regrets but don't feel up to sharing them with you today.

Just one regret, marrying my ex wife.

Don't mind admitting as its all part of the healing process that whilst I was on tour in Cyprus she moved in with her boss and sold most of our possessions.

God I must have been ****ing stupid!

I was only 19 at the time though.

Like I said Jim it depends on the unit you join and the workload. Dont forget the Army is really stretched at the minute so they cannot afford to let all the sportsman go off training!

A more positive example is when I first joined I joined as a Junior Soldier (16 years old) and had to spend 12 months in basic training.
Because I won the Jnr Army title (L/Middle then!!!) quite early on in the process I spent about six months on extra rations and in a tracksuit training most days so it worked out well.

The problems arose when 50 Missile disbanded but dont be put off as you will still be encouraged to box and will receive some form of bonus for doing it.

I still managed to get in over 50 fights so......

what are the paras like in this department then? and I understand that the army is overstretched

what are the paras like in this department then? and I understand that the army is overstretched

Not bad actually mate, part of P Company selection involves 'milling' where you are put against someone of your size and weight given 16 oz gloves and told to smash the **** out of each other.

But the 3 Para have a strong heritage around boxing and have won three or four of the weights this year I believe so yeah Para's are OK!

Not bad actually mate, part of P Company selection involves 'milling' where you are put against someone of your size and weight given 16 oz gloves and told to smash the **** out of each other.

But the 3 Para have a strong heritage around boxing and have won three or four of the weights this year I believe so yeah Para's are OK!

Engineers are particularly good as well Mick, especially 32 Regt.

Engineers are particularly good as well Mick, especially 32 Regt.

Yeah mate, I fought a couple of times against 32 plus Lee Mead three times (he was 32 I think?)

Yeh i seen milling, watched a vid on it I've just been hitting the roads non stop. roll on the 26th

Yeah mate, I fought a couple of times against 32 plus Lee Mead three times (he was 32 I think?)

No mate 26 unless it was before my time?

Yeh i seen milling, watched a vid on it I've just been hitting the roads non stop. roll on the 26th

Remind where you are going again Jimmy, Pirbright?

catterick 26th august

No mate 26 unless it was before my time?

Not sure mate, thought it was 32??? He was a twat anyway, southpaw, always trying to stand on my lead foot.

The first bout I struggled but got a M/D against him, the next one the ref stopped it after he took three standing counts on the bounce, but the last one I dropped him but he then took a knee and claimed his hamstring had gone;)

**** me I miss those days mate!

catterick 26th august

Yeah of course, good luck pal, just remember training and Catterick (**** hole) is not the Army and things get much better (sometimes worse)

Not sure mate, thought it was 32??? He was a twat anyway, southpaw, always trying to stand on my lead foot.

The first bout I struggled but got a M/D against him, the next one the ref stopped it after he took three standing counts on the bounce, but the last one I dropped him but he then took a knee and claimed his hamstring had gone;)

**** me I miss those days mate!

I remember the second one I think, was it in Aldershot? I didn't box that year but attended with two or our team.

Where you at heavy or super, Mead looked about 17 stone so?

I remember the second one I think, was it in Aldershot? I didn't box that year but attended with two or our team.

Where you at heavy or super, Mead looked about 17 stone so?

I think we originally fought at Lheavy 81kgs in 91, then the second bout was in Aldershot but I'm sure it was at 91kgs about 95, then the last he had hit the weights big time and I was coming in at about 96kgs so then he would definitely be in the SHW cat.

I think we originally fought at Lheavy 81kgs in 91, then the second bout was in Aldershot but I'm sure it was at 91kgs about 95, then the last he had hit the weights big time and I was coming in at about 96kgs so then he would definitely be in the SHW cat.

Did you do p company btw? and if so how tough was it

Did you do p company btw? and if so how tough was it

Yes mate, I did it when I was 18 and got a stand up fail (section commander didn't like my attitude as I was laid back)

Went back when I was 22 and breezed it.

Its hard mate no bull**** but easily achievable, highlights include beat up and test week, I didn't mind test week other than the log as I'd screwed my back.

If you keep injury free, look after your feet and show a keen attitude (as long as you are fit enough and strong enough) you'll get a stand up pass.

I went via 7 RHA (G Battery Mercer Troop) to Pathfinder Platoon then ****ed my leg in Operation Palliser in Africa (Sierra Leone- publicised op)

I've just been told to run and run some more in prep, I'm already strong in my upperbody and have a pull up bar and weight bench in my room so i do routines on that plus sit ups and push ups

I have regrets but don't feel up to sharing them with you today.

yeah, me too. lots of them

I've just been told to run and run some more in prep, I'm already strong in my upperbody and have a pull up bar and weight bench in my room so i do routines on that plus sit ups and push ups

Plenty of running and force marches are the key, train with weight on your back and get used to carrying it around.

Also as you are doing, plenty of sit ups and press ups and heaves (Pull ups) will give you distinct advantage but the key is cardiovascular stamina with weight!

I bought a book fighting fit was only a fiver I've been following some of that as it has a P company section, I've also been tabbing with my custom made bergan with weights in it, but all the weight sinks to the bottom and I've heard when packing a bergan its best to keep it top heavy but its all I can work with right now. Also when you get there in the first week do you do the basic fitness assesment where you have to do 50 situps and push ups and 1 1/2 miler in under 9:18 for the paras?

I bought a book fighting fit was only a fiver I've been following some of that as it has a P company section, I've also been tabbing with my custom made bergan with weights in it, but all the weight sinks to the bottom and I've heard when packing a bergan its best to keep it top heavy but its all I can work with right now. Also when you get there in the first week do you do the basic fitness assesment where you have to do 50 situps and push ups and 1 1/2 miler in under 9:18 for the paras?

To be honest pal, that came in after I left.

We had to do a 1.5 mile warm up as a squad in under 15:00 minutes followed immediately with 1.5 mile in under 8:30.

Then it was heaves (15 or more) Incline bench sit ups (21 or more) P Bar Dips (21 or more) and three times up and down an 18 ft rope.

Everything changed in the late 90's for many reasons.

In your Bergen try bags of sand, that way they mold to your shape and don't rub or bounce around. When I was doing my pre P Company beat up I used to go everywhere with a Berghaus Day Sack weighing 35lb of sand.

It made a huge difference.

yeh my bergan weighs about 30-35lb's, so basically p-company is the last three weeks of trade training? before you got to Brize or whereever for the parachute jumps course?

yeh my bergan weighs about 30-35lb's, so basically p-company is the last three weeks of trade training? before you got to Brize or whereever for the parachute jumps course?

Again its different to me mate, I joined the Artillery first as Light Gunner then as a Drone Operator then Phoenix Detachment Commander before moving across to the Para's, I had been in 6 years before I took and passed P Company so I'm not sure how it will work for you!

P Company is prior to jumps though yep.

If its just before the jumps then it will be around 20+ weeks in for me

Again its different to me mate, I joined the Artillery first as Light Gunner then as a Drone Operator then Phoenix Detachment Commander before moving across to the Para's, I had been in 6 years before I took and passed P Company so I'm not sure how it will work for you!

P Company is prior to jumps though yep.

did you have to pass the aacc then or was it 7 RHA you joined and not 29 commando regiment

did you have to pass the aacc then or was it 7 RHA you joined and not 29 commando regiment

I applied via my original Regiment which was 39 Regt RA, after I passed P Company I did my jumps then was posted back to 39 Regt RA where I was promoted to full bombardier (Corporal), a couple of months later I joined 7 RHA.

You can be Para qualified and be a storeman if you want, some are, they do P Company purely for a challenge although its better as a career direction.

I applied via my original Regiment which was 39 Regt RA, after I passed P Company I did my jumps then was posted back to 39 Regt RA where I was promoted to full bombardier (Corporal), a couple of months later I joined 7 RHA.

You can be Para qualified and be a storeman if you want, some are, they do P Company purely for a challenge although its better as a career direction.

I think the original theme of this thread has kind of gone missing!!! ;)