Model Representation

It's always interesting to see how your profession is portrayed. After a recent clear out of my childhood bedroom, I came across an interesting find: a haul of Subutteo.

Back in the 1980's, this tabletop game was hugely popular among football-mad youths - myself included - allowing you to recreate the beautiful game and its players in miniature. Having turned my back on train sets, much to the sadness of my dad, I spent a couple of years creating my own Subutteo arena. This included stands and various additional figures to complement my plastic players and pitch.

It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane to rediscover my collection, but I had little desire to re-familarise myself with the deft flicks needed to manouvere the players around the board. So, the boxed teams and accessories have gone on Ebay.

What amused me most, however, was finding three model photographers (pictured above) who added an authentic feel when playing important matches with my pals. The equipment they're depicted with has certainly changed in that time. From a solitary film camera to multiple digital SLRs with super telephoto lenses, plus laptops, heavy waterproof cases, folding seats and brightly coloured ID bibs.

These figurines are snapshots of a simpler time with less red tape and bureaucracy, and a shadow of the multi-million pound global industry football has evolved into today.