Albion legends: A new chapter for Zamora

So Bobby, you’re back at the club as an ambassador. How did that come about?

Once I’d packed up playing, coaching was never a route I wanted to go down, but I still wanted to stay involved in the game somehow and certainly with Brighton because I love the club. The club were also keen for me to stay involved, so this is the perfect role for me. I’ve already got a great connection with the fans here, so to work the executive lounges on a matchday is something I’m really enjoying – and it’s my way of giving something back to the fans who supported me throughout my time as a player here. I’m also working with Albion in the Community, which I see as a privilege given the fantastic work the charity does for people in the city and throughout Sussex, and I’ve also been involved with the women’s team. I’ve already met some of their players and they’ve done superbly well to be playing in the Women’s Super League.

Tell us a little more about your matchday role at the Amex then…

I’ve always loved watching games here since I retired, and there’s an even bigger buzz now we’re in the Premier League, so for selected games I’m in the lounges telling a few stories and giving an insight into my life as a footballer. We have Q&A sessions and I’ll also recall stories of playing against the day’s opponents as well as Brighton. There’s always plenty of banter flying about and after the game I can also provide that little bit of insight into what’s gone on from a player’s perspective.

What else have you been up to since you packed up playing?
I helped set up Football Escapes, providing excellent coaching for children on holiday in luxury surrounds and allowing parents some down-time on their own. We’ve had the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Teddy Sheringham and Eidur Gudjohnsen join us and I’ve been able to attend every destination.

Aside from that, I’m enjoying my fishing. That’s become a big passion of mine; I actually really like the solitude of being on my own for a few hours and the challenge that comes with it. We’ve also got the Legacy Foundation, set up by Mark Noble, Rio and I. The aim is to deliver schemes for local authorities that not only reduce the pressure on affordable housing and local community services but will empower tenants through on-site community and sporting facilities. It’s a slow process which can get frustrating for us at times, but we’re now starting to see the rewards for our efforts.

It’s important to keep busy when you pack up playing, isn’t it?

I’m also doing a bit of property development, so I’m keeping really busy. As you say, when you pack up playing, it leaves a big void as something you’ve done religiously for the best part of 20 years – training and playing – disappears from your daily routine. What I miss most is the banter in the dressing room; there’s nothing better than going in every day for training and being part of that camaraderie with your team-mates. When I’ve been at the Amex for the big games, it’s then that I miss being on the biggest stage, playing against the best players, and in the big-match atmospheres.

So you only miss the biggest games then?

To be honest, I don’t miss playing that much as I’ve opened a new chapter in my life now. For the last two seasons of my career, I wasn’t training every day and towards the end I wasn’t playing either, so I was weaned off it in a way – it wasn’t like I was playing one day and the next it was gone. That made retirement a smoother transition for me but you do need something to focus the mind as you can only do so much sitting on the sofa at home watching box sets.

Like you, Steve Sidwell has become a club ambassador but has also gone into coaching. You didn’t fancy going down that route then?

I would never say never, but at this stage of my life it’s not something that appeals to me. I do my Football Escapes coaching and I really enjoy that. It’s all about having fun, just enjoying the game for what it is, and there’s no pressure involved. If the kids coming away having improved their football and have had fun in the process, then that’s good enough for me. I’m delighted to have input at that level but being involved professionally doesn’t appeal to me, to be honest.

Glenn Murray is still banging in the goals at 36, just like you did. Are you surprised he’s still doing it at this level?

I’m not surprised at all. The way he uses his body and his strength, I’m sure comes from his earlier days playing lower down the levels, and he’s one of the strikers I really like to watch. He’s one of the best at holding the ball up and bringing others into play, and when he gets into the box he’s clinical. Of course, you have to bring in new players to increase competition, but Muzza is tried and tested and the manager knows he can rely on him 100 per cent. He’s never been a player who’s relied on his pace, but he’s got the brain and the skill to go on for a while yet.