Staff Profile: Mike Taylor
A while back, we started profiling members of the Umbro staff – we thought it was time we returned to them…
How long have you been here and what do you do?
I’ve been at Umbro for nearly 5 years, now. I’ve worked in Marketing all that time – across several areas including: brand management, advertising, sponsorship and a few other disciplines. I now head up Umbro’s Global Retail Marketing team.
What would other people say you did?
Make shopping bags and spend too much time in shopping centres.
How is Umbro Changing?
Umbro has now got a clear sense of who we are and where we need to be. We’ve taken a look back at where we came from and what’s in our DNA and are using it to inform how we behave and communicate going forward. The brand is starting to talk to people in different ways and develop a personality through things such as the blog, online and other areas that we previously wouldn’t have done.
Where would you like to see Umbro going?
The coolest brand in football.
What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?
I’ve got my black and white blinkers on but the best (and my first) Umbro kit was the 1987 Newcastle United home shirt. We signed the first ever Brazilian to play in England – Francisco Ernami Lima de Silva - or Mirindinha. I had the full kit: shirt, shorts and socks and used to pretend to be him when I played!
The worst kit has to be the salmon Scotland shirt from ’93-’95. What a howler!!
What memory of football do you hold most dear?
There are tonnes! My first game, or derby at St James’ Park; playing in the garden with my mates and dad; beating Man Utd 5-1; Asprilla’s hat-trick against Barcelona; and Gazza’s goal against Scotland in Euro ’96 all rank up there. Despite all of those though, I’d have to say it was the first time I ever megged someone. Sadly it was my PE teacher and he wellied the ball at me 5 minutes later, winded me and then dropped me for the next game!
If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…
A PE teacher trying not to get megged by 8yr olds.
