Football Poets

Dennis Swift

My name is Dennis, I’m 60 and a retired Plasterer from Atherton Greater Manchester. I was an only child who had a fantastic upbringing which made me into what I am today.
I left School without qualifications to take up an apprenticeship with my Father. After three years I became a qualified Plasterer.
In 1976 I met my wife to be, some say she deserves a medal for staying with me so long, so last year I bought her one. Together we have three grown up Children who all have gone on to become successful in their own careers.
Besides my wife, my Passion is Football, I have been a Bolton Wanderers supporter and season ticket holder since the early 60s.  I have been fortunate enough to have seen them from rock bottom to performing in Europe and back to rock bottom.   Whilst following the Wanderers I was selected by Sky Sports to do Fanzone.  Fanzone was where two fans from each club commentated offering an alternate to the normal Martin Tyler/Andy Grey commentary during Sky Sports live games. I was fortunate to do this from 2002 until Sky decided to stop it.

have featured on TV with Simon O’Brien of Brookside fame on a quiz show called `Did I Not Know That` answering questions on Football. My recent escapades took me to London for the filming of a `Tipping Point` show hosted by Ben Shepherd. My episode was aired in November 2015. I declined the chance to appear on 15 to 1 because of a commitment to “The Chase” where filming of my episode will be in March of this year.
In 2012 I had my first book published, “Football Rhymes of Passion” sold in many different countries, all proceeds went to a local charity. My second book “Caught on Site…Confessions of a Tradesman” was published early in January of this year and is a light hearted look at what we got up to whilst working on Social Housing refurbishments. The book seems to have been sold all over the country, and according to the publisher it is in demand.
My other passion is for real Ale, I love the nice tasty Ales from Micro Breweries and the Belgian beers all of which are fantastic.  I am a member of CAMRA and volunteer at Festivals. This gives me the opportunity to sample some delightful beers before passing on my tasting notes to the Festival Punters.