Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Sometimes, life grabs you by the wrist and directs you where to go with a firmness you just can’t deny. And sometimes, you slip into the new role with such effortless ease that you wonder what the past was all about. Gordon Jones has one such tale to tell. Eight years ago, the 48-year-old from Manchester was just another regular office-goer, employed in a shipping company. Today, he has his own transport enterprise which caters to the needs of football players, and he also owns a host of stories to tell about the most famous people he has driven around, a glittering list that includes Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Sometimes, you’re forced to think about things. In 1998, my brother died in an accident and soon after that I had a close shave myself when robbers attacked my office. Then I decided it just wasn’t worth it. I thought I’ll take some time off and figure out what to do next,” is how Gordon begins his story.
The ‘next’ perhaps, came sooner than he expected. “My brother knew Ryan Giggs, they used to live nearby, and once Ryan needed to be driven to a restaurant for dinner with his girlfriend. My brother asked me if I would do it. This was in 2000, the year after ManU had won the treble, and being a fan since I was 9, I was delighted to do the job. I couldnt believe I was actually driving Ryan Giggs around!” he exclaims, the joy still evident in his tone, even after all these years.
“That was how it all started.” Jones went with Giggs to the Brirish Grand Prix in Silverstone, and it was there that he was introduced to an agent. “He put me in touch with Vodafone. I did a test drive for them, and then they signed me on. But they wanted a whole fleet of cars so I had to find some more drivers fast!” laughs Gordon.
That, in a nutshell, was how GJ Cars was formed, and Gordon’s next illustrious client just happened to be a certain David Beckham. “I worked with Beckham for two years, and even drove Victoria and Brooklyn around quite a bit. Beckham stayed in an apartment in Manchester, but his family stayed in London, so after training, he would just tell me to drive down there. It was very hectic and, if Ferguson had known about it, he would not have been happy at all. In fact, when Beckham moved to real Madrid, I was a bit relieved myself!” says Gordon.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been on Gordon’s current clientele for five years, and the Mancunian reveals Fergie is in fact unlike the steely exterior he displays. “I think it’s wrong to say that the stars have the atttitude problem. In my experience, they are the nicer ones. The new lot, who have just started getting fame, is the ones who are more arrogant. Sir Alex invites me for tea to his place sometimes, and at his house, you can see it’s his wife who’s in charge and not him!”
He is fond of horse racing, and I have gone with him a few times.” The perks of such a job are many, not least for a football fanatic. “I haven’t had to buy a ticket to a game for nine years now, I reckon. David sent me tickets for a couple of Real Madrid games, and that stadium is something else altogether. It’s incredible!” marvels Gordon.
Another great memory is ManU legend George Best. “I drove him around Manchester when he was here six years ago, and that was great. He is truly a legend.”
Even though Manchester United’s sponsors have now changed to AIG, Gordon retained his Vodafone contract as they are the Champions League sponsors. He works with the English cricket team every year as well, and was witness to their series with India last year.
“I watched all the matches last year. It was wonderful to see the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar. I know the fanaticism about cricket in India, I’ve seen it on TV. When the Indian team was here, you could tell how relieved they were at being able to move around freely, with no one hounding them. Cricket stars in India are treated like football players in England!” he exclaims.
