READING Paul Fraser’s online blog (January 3), about Steve Bruce granting an exclusive interview to the Barrow reporter reminded me of my own experiences as a young journalist.

While on work experience at a North-East paper, I was at Sunderland’s training ground to interview Richard Ord ahead of his testimonial.

I was accompanied by a photographer who was more used to snapping supermarket openings than Premier League legends and therefore had little grasp of training ground etiquette.

The photographer ran straight onto the pitch to reel off a few close-ups of Tricky Dickie.

The next thing I knew, Peter Reid and Tony Coton were sprinting across the pitch to confront me with a tirade of expletives along the lines of who the hell do I think I am and how would I like it if they walked into my office unannounced – except not as polite as that!

I was immediately banished from the training ground and from Roker Park until further notice.

A few days later, I was allowed to cover Richard’s testimonial but feared the worst when Reidy singled me out at the post match press conference and asked me to stay behind.

Expecting another onslaught, I was instead greeted with a comforting arm round the shoulder and the offer of an exclusive.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were on work experience?” he asked.

Sorted – what a top fellow.

And just for the record, Dickie Ord was a gent too.

Jonathan Ward, Hartlepool